Redondo Beach Public Library 303 North Pacific Coast Highway tel 310 318-0676 Redondo Beach, California 90277-2838 fax 310 318-3809
www.redondo.org/library
July 1, 2024
The Honorable Mayor of Redondo Beach
The Honorable Redondo Beach City Council
Redondo Beach Council Chambers
415 Diamond Street
Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Subject: Redondo Beach Commission Consolidation Plan
Dear Honorable Mayor and Councilmembers:
On Monday, June 3, 2024, the Library Commission met to discuss, among other topics, the City of Redondo Beach Commission Consolidation Plan and to provide input to City Council. The Library Commission appreciates and respects the interest in improving efficiency and reducing city expenses. However, the Commission has some concerns regarding the consolidation of the Redondo Beach's Historical, Preservation, Recreation and Parks, and Library Commissions, with the new commission being renamed to the Public Amenities Commission.
The Redondo Beach Library Commission has been a productive commission with no meeting cancellations due to lack of quorum or business in recent years and few vacancies. The dedicated volunteers who were selected and serve on the commission value their involvement and are making a meaningful contribution to Library services and to the community. The Library Commission has successfully advocated for:
• expanded public service hours (post COVID)
• the installation of the Opent system at North Branch Library • increased funding for a variety of other projects
The Library Commission has active representation from all but one of the Districts of Redondo Beach and Commission meetings typically have full agendas with relevant discussion topics.
Commissioners discuss thoroughly different perspectives on programming, events, and policies which impact Library patrons and provide input to other Commissions when appropriate. The Commission frequently provides referrals to staff with ideas on how to improve Library services.
The Library Commission is concerned about reduced community input on behalf of Library services with the proposed plan to combine commissions. Combining the Library Commission with the Historical, Preservation, and Recreation and Parks Commissions into a monthly meeting would potentially significantly reduce the number of Library focused commissioners and dilute the variety of perspectives that are considered for Library issues. In addition, each of these Redondo Beach Public Library 03 North Pacific Coast Highwa tel 310 318-0676 edondo Beach, California 90277-283 fax 310 318-3809
www.redondo.org/library
commissions address substantive issues facing their purview with volunteers that have an expressed interest in that department's success.
With each Library Commission meeting currently lasting up to two hours (occasionally more), we feel it would be challenging for the proposed combined Public Amenities Commission to effectively and sufficiently be able to discuss, address and provide insight into each of the Library topics that will arise with the respect and diligence they deserve.
As an alternative, The Library Commission does see the potential benefit of combining with the Historical Commission; especially as it pertains to the opportunities for shared interests and collaboration. For example, the Library has made progress over the last several years in the preservation and access to an archive of Redondo Beach historical materials including newspapers, directories, and yearbooks; such as current efforts to digitize the Daily Breeze.
The Library Commission would also see the benefit of periodic Joint Commission Meetings that could facilitate discussion on selected topics of mutual interest and create the opportunity for collaborations for the benefit of residents throughout the city.
The Library is an institution that provides a variety of services to residents of all ages, ethnicities, and income levels throughout the year, and day in and day out they are at the forefront of community outreach efforts. Thus far for FY 2023-2024, the Main Library and North Branch locations combined have seen, on average, 15,600 patrons per month entering the facilities in addition to digital circulation of 10,600 items per month. While most people think of the Library as just a home for books, in reality it is much more than that with numerous other services that many in our community rely on, including but not limited to:
access to computers and internet
a safe and air-conditioned space
private study rooms
special programs for children, teens and adults
redondo
BE
Redondo Beach Public Library 303 North Pacific Coast Highwa tel 310 318-0676 Redondo Beach, California 90277-2838 fax 310 318-3809
www.redondo.org/library
Our concern is that the combined commission could have adverse results on Library Services' ability to effectively serve the Redondo Beach community.
The Library Commission thanks you for your continued support of our city's Library system and for your consideration in the matter.
Sincerely,
Jennifer Hall
Chairperson
Redondo Beach Library Commission