California Reading and Literacy Improvement and Public Library Construction and Renovation Bond Act of 2000
	Argument in Favor of Proposition 14

Arguments on this page are the opinions of the authors and have not been checked for accuracy by any official agency.

Proposition 14 is an investment in literacy, learning and libraries.

Our public libraries have always served as centers of lifelong learning and literacy. Libraries provide a safe place for students to study and complete homework assignments, and for adults to gain practical skills through a variety of adult learning programs.

When it comes to literacy, California fourth grade students ranked next to last on the 1998 National Assessment of Educational Progress. Adult illiteracy hurts our economic competitiveness, and family illiteracy is often passed from generation to generation.

Proposition 14 funds can be used to build new libraries, renovate inadequate facilities, provide state-of-the-art equipment, improve study conditions and create a safe, comfortable environment for users.

Proposition 14 can fund new libraries and renovate existing facilities.

As California's population continues to climb, library visits have skyrocketed, causing an already underfunded system to deteriorate rapidly.

Many communities have no local libraries in areas where the population has grown significantly. The lack of access makes it difficult for children and people with limited mobility to take advantage of important services such as children's story hours, student reading programs, and services for seniors and the disabled.

Many of our libraries are either completely antiquated, or in need of significant remodeling. Facilities often lack the basics such as enough tables and chairs and books and materials for study and research for all library users.

Proposition 14 returns money to local communities.

This bond can fund 65% of each approved project. Since this state funding will be available to renovate and remodel existing facilities or build new libraries, available local funds could be freed up to extend library hours, buy more books, expand reading programs, increase library visits to local schools, or offer more adult learning opportunities.

Proposition 14 is a necessary investment in our future without raising taxes.

A State Library study shows California will need to complete 425 library projects over the next few years to meet current needs. While Proposition 14 will not fund the number of projects identified by that study, the combination of 65% state funding and 35% local participation means Proposition 14 maximizes the effectiveness of these critical resources.

Proposition 14 puts money into vital needs, not administrative overhead.

By law, not one penny of this bond money can be used by local government for administrative costs. Libraries can construct homework centers for students, upgrade electrical and telecommunications systems to accommodate computers and expand literacy centers and facilities for children's reading programs.

Proposition 14 provides funding to school and library partnerships.

By strengthening the partnership between libraries and schools, Proposition 14 is a critical element in achieving California's literacy goals and for strengthening our entire educational system.

Priority funding will go to projects where schools and libraries are working together.

FOR LIBRARIES, LITERACY AND LIFELONG LEARNING, VOTE YES ON PROPOSITION 14!

State Senator Richard K. Rainey
Chair, Senate Local Government Committee

State Senator Deirdre W. Alpert
Chair, Senate Education Committee

Gail Dryden
President, League of Women Voters of California

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