Friends of Montclair Library

The City of Oakland’s Library Advisory Commission invites you to attend a public hearing entitled, “Open Libraries/Open Doors: A Panel Discussion of Oakland’s Diverse Library Services and Current Funding Challenges,” from 6-8pm on Tuesday, Oct. 7, at the Cesar Chavez Branch (3301 E. 12th St.).

The hearing is intended to educate the public about library services as a vital Oakland resource. It also will highlight the $2.5-$3.5 million annual budget gap the library faces starting in July 2015. If not filled, the gap will force cuts to the library’s budget – which could mean the equivalent of 6-8 branch closures.

As part of this hearing, a small number of city leaders will participate in a panel to discuss the role the library plays in various sectors of Oakland. Panelists include: Margaret Jerene, Early Care and Education Specialist, First 5 Alameda County; Ann Gallagher, District Librarian, Oakland Unified School District; Representative, Oakland Public Library Youth Leadership Council; Joyce Guy, Program Specialist,
West Oakland Jobs Resource Center; Paul Figueroa, Assistant Chief, Oakland Police Department.

The panel will be moderated by Alan Smith of California Public Library Advocates (CPLA), the state’s public-library advocacy organization.