December 18, 2012 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

CONTACT:   Ann Miller, 707-784-1506; amiller@solanocounty.com  

Solano County Library CELEBRATES “Promises Made, Promises Kept” IN JANUARY 

On June 5, 2012, Solano County voters renewed the 1/8th of a penny sales tax, first passed in 1998, that has meant so much to the success of their local libraries. The 80% win affirmed the work of Solano County Library and its sister libraries in Benicia and Dixon. Despite an ailing economy, or perhaps because if it, voters chose to continue to support their communities through their libraries, which provide adult literacy tutoring, homework help and job resources. 

Promises were made when the first ballot measure passed: more books, more hours, more programs for students and children. Those promises were kept through good times and bad. “We did exactly what we said we were going to do,” said Solano County Library Director Bonnie Katz.   

The promised services: library open hours, the book and materials budget and youth programs have all increased since the original 1/8^th of a penny sales tax began. This year’s extension of that sales tax will help maintain these gains, contributing 19% of the Library’s budget.  

Increase in hours open (125%)  

Before: 199 

Now: 448 

Increase in budget for books and materials (118%) 

Before: $432,000 

Now: $944,172 

Increase in program attendance by youth (75%) 

Before: 54,800/ year 

Now: 95,628/ year 

How were those promises kept in a crumbling economy and the steady decline in revenue? Solano County Library administrators built reserves during the “good years” and tightened belts in the bad ones. Technology advances have freed staff from “behind the scenes” work so that they can work directly with the public. Strategic partnerships with community groups, ranging from poverty experts to master gardeners, have extended the reach of the Library without additional funding or staff.  

Costs continue to escalate and it will be years before property tax revenue will rise to the level it once was, but Solano County Library will continue to keep its promises to the community and remain the hub where people come to learn and grow.  Solano County Library, with the help of the Friends of the Library will be celebrating Promises Made, Promises Kept throughout January.  The following is a list of events: 

Fairfield Civic Center Library 

Busy Bee Dogs: Three Billy Goats Gruff  

3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 23 

Fairfield Cordelia Library 

Laughter Yoga 

7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 10  

Fairfield Cordelia Library 

Meditation: Lose Your Stress, Find Your Bliss 

6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 17 

Fairfield Cordelia Library 

The Hipwaders: Music for the whole family   

11 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 19 

Rio Vista Library 

Microsoft Excel for Beginners Q&A 

1 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 26 

Rio Vista Library 

Gardening Tips and Dessert 

7 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 31  

Suisun City Library 

Blood and Fire Gospel Reggae Band 

6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 15  

Vacaville Public Library-Cultural Center  

Fratello Marionettes: Aladdin 

4 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan  8 

Vacaville Public Library-Town Square 

Suisun Wildlife Center 

4 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 24