The Library, the Springtown library

the library that the Livermore City Council has chosen to close because of budget cuts even though it represents only 4% of the annual operating budget for the Livermore Library system.

It boils my blood to think that City Council (or those present that night, the Mayor and John Marchand who were the majority on the vote and Doug Horner) made a decision to close a library.

I have heard that it was not just a budget decision but also a political payback for those of us in North Livermore who not always been in support of the City Council Plans. I truly hope that is not the case. However, after hearing from multiple parties from past city council and city librarians, I think there is just a little truth to this.

I also know that all John Marchand has a good heart and one of the first to reach out to our family when Clark got cancer, however if he runs for Mayor (and there seems to be some common consensus here), this vote might have just sunk him for me. If John and others find an option, however, to bring library services back to North Livermore that could change my voting position.

As a former council member said to me, just because John runs, does not mean you have to vote for him.

And let’s not even think about the Mayor going back on City Council as rumors have speculated when his current term ends.


The whole political game in North Livermore is so dynamic. In the last few weeks, I have told by people on how to run a political campaign to try and bring viable library options to North Livermore. As if I were to stop everything and plan a complete door to door rally (and if I could I would), but in reality the City has been told over and over again that the people did not want fire, police or library services cut in budget meetings all summer long. The City knows what the people want and did not listen.

According to the libraries own mission statement,

“Mission Statement: The Livermore Public Library encourages the development of a lifelong interest in reading and learning by youth and adults, provides materials and services of popular interest, supports the educational needs of the community, furnishes timely, accurate information and builds cultural awareness and enrichment.”

How is this possible once Springtown Library is closed to North Livermore? So by closing the library the City has gone against its own libraries mission statement. Going to Civic Center or Rincon libraries will be a burden to some who are physically or financially unable not counting the young, old and middle aged who loved the Springtown Library.

The Civic Center and Rincon are two sites that are not easy to get to from North Livermore. There is an 8 lane freeway and 2 overpasses where biking and walking is ill advised. With the closure of this library, the City Council left a bad legacy behind.