Council Candidates Respond to Questions about The Library
The Friends of The Seattle Public Library surveyed this year's City Council candidates about Library issues. All candidates were asked to answer a set of four questions:
- When you reflect on the Seattle Public Library system, what three things first come to mind?
- Given the myriad of essential human services provided by the City of Seattle, where do you rank funding for the Seattle Public Library? Would you put it in the top, middle or bottom tier of priorities?
- The Seattle Public Library has sustained budget cuts of nearly $10 million from its annual budget since 2009, resulting in Friday closures at 15 branches, employee furloughs, lay-offs, and a decrease in the collections budget. Given the City revenue shortfalls projected for 2011 and 2012, what are your views on maintaining funding for Library hours, staffing, collections, programs and services?
- As the Library's new strategic plan states, "changes in how people access and use information, interact with one another, and in the resources, tools and capabilities needed to operate effectively in today's society require new approaches to the services and resources that the library provides". What is your vision for the library of the future, and how would you support SPL’s evolution over the next 5 years?
Their responses follow.
Bobby Forch
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