In an above-average income town, the local library stands behind the times when it comes to the new world.
By Matthew L. Nestel/Special to The Malibu Times
As far as aesthetics go, if a library aged as well as its books, perhaps there would be an article paying homage to the Malibu Library. But for the revolving world, times change and so, too, does the need to keep pace.
The Malibu Library, located in the center of what many call a paradise-the land of the rich and famous-can be compared to an old sea ship, barnacled with dingy carpeting, out-dated, fidgety computers and rickety shelving.
In sharp contrast, just over the hill, Agoura Hills recently unveiled its new library and Civic Center. In a word, the space is pristine. Loaded with Dell computers, it boasts a respectable selection of books and shelves multiplicities of periodicals and magazines. There is a children’s area fit with small tables, small chairs-even small bathroom stalls for the little ones. This is a library that serves communities in Calabasas, Agoura Hills and Thousand Oaks, and is quite revolutionary considering how it was founded out of a vision drafted by the communities and its leaders.
Wendy Romano, assistant director for the County of Los Angeles Public Libraries, believes that Malibu’s library reflects on the state of the department and the frugalness with funds from the city and county districts.
“In general, public libraries have had hard times,” Roman said. “In the mid-1990s, property shifted from the state to counties and cities; everybody has a budget for books and they get regular maintenance. Many of our libraries are older and our populations are growing.”
The Malibu syndrome
Drawing a staff and avoiding turnover remains a challenge in Malibu.
As Sherri Smith, community library manager, explained, “We have difficulty in Malibu and historically, Malibu is fairly remote. Part-time staff is difficult to keep. Because of the nature of the community, most people don’t need a part-time job. Plus the pay is [only] a little higher than minimum wage.”
Aside from drawing a loyal staff, the library is also faced with trying to attract outside assistance.
The Friends of the Malibu Library is a small group that is working to increase community interest.
Romano said the Friends group is the bridge to the community for the county.
Speaking of meetings to generate interest in funding the library, Romano said, “We [the county] don’t initiate meetings like that. They [the library] have the Friends Group and often do book sales and process donations. They are generally a support group but we do not initiate those types of meetings. With the amount of staffing to consider, we have to operate and concentrate on that … We run over 84 libraries in 84 communities; all of them need to be updated. If, for example, there was someone to talk about funding (construction and cost) we would listen.”
The Roots to Status Quo
Historically, the Malibu Library was mobile. Before becoming a tenant in the Malibu Civic Center complex in 1970, a “bookmobile” serviced the Malibu and Topanga Canyon communities, and those along PCH. After 32 years, the library’s current space hasn’t deviated much from the original.
Structurally composing the shape of a cement block, the Malibu Library is spacious, with 16,530 square feet to fill. The features comprise a modest adult reading area; a children’s area; a pay-per-use meeting room that accommodates up to 125 people; and ample, free parking. There is a periodical and magazine collection, and some tables and couches. Not to mention the computers, which unfortunately have yet to offer word-processing. This comes at a time when Malibu’s book circulation is a respectable 122,000. It also stocks 7,000 audio recordings and 4,172 videocassettes.
And Romano adds, “Malibu’s ‘gate count’ is just under 99,000 … pretty strong for a library of its size.”
Out of the 92,500 volumes the library boasts, the most notorious is the Arkel Erb Memorial Mountaineering Collection, established circa 1980, with more than 2,800 fiction/nonfiction books, magazines and maps highlighting global mountaineering, caving, canoeing, backpacking, and wilderness/survival techniques. In terms of its grandeur, the collection is “one of the most complete in the U.S.,” Smith proudly states.
Still, with the median household income in Malibu averaging $250,000 a year, the library would seem to be the pinnacle of concern.
But as Smith said, “We work with what we have. The decision is not mine as to what we spend it on and those decisions are made at a level higher than mine.”
When asked about a hypothetical wish list of items that could bring the library up to the par of its peers, Smith says, “That wish list is endless. [It’s] always nice to have money for the collection. Materials of all types are needed so we could have a greater (more up-to-date selection).
Smith’s list includes: “Furniture and fixtures-a new copier, a new fax machine, new circulation. This is not reality. But there is a wish list from here to the door of things that would be nice.”
How Agoura got its baby
Agoura Hills may not be fitted with a posh collection of novelty items; however, its structure and wealth of modern technology and seemingly crowdless ambience makes for a pleasant library experience.
Greg Ramirez, assistant city manager of Agoura Hills, spoke about the hard work tallied to make their library and Civic Center a success. Estimated at about $9.2 million dollars in funds to make the project possible, and taking more than a year to design, Agoura’s dream became a reality. In terms of stats, the library over the hill has a great deal of roaming space with 34,000 square feet and a 15,000 square foot parking structure.
“There is quite a history behind our library,” Ramirez said. “The idea started back in the late eighties. It’s been a dream that has been out there a long time-to serve Thousand Oaks, Agoura and Calabasas.”
According to Ramirez, the original plan sought to build a regional facility. But the recession in the nineties and a city utility tax voted down by residents put the plan on hold.
Eventually, the library was built with the securing of an $8.4 million bond, and $800,000 paid for by “other sources”, Ramirez said. Ramirez also points to the contributions from the Kanan Family (same founders of the road).
Still, a lavish learning Mecca comes with a price. As Ramirez admits, “Less money will be paid on other city programs with fewer funds to street work, parks and such. It is a big trade-off.”
The community was included in the step-by-step creation process and their input was welcome when it came time to draw up the blueprints, Ramirez said.
Return on investment
Thought the project cost quite a bit, the city is able to bring a return on its investment.
Ramirez talked about profits adding, “The biggest return on investment is the community center. We were renting it at $185,000 a year. Now we have our own investment, like a house. It is pride to have a civic center. The hub is the library.”
Romano speaks highly when asked about the independent involvement of Agoura’s library. She points to the city’s hard work, stating, “They gained community and city interest. We’re very grateful that we can work in partnership with them [Agoura].”
When the subject shifts to Malibu, Romano is very blunt in her statements that the county can only do so much with the resources it is provided with.
“The county is working well,” Romano said, “but we’ve not had capital building funds. Our funds are to operate our libraries and we haven’t had funds since Proposition 13 back in 1978, which changed how property taxes were collected. In essence, there are no funds available.” As it is, staffing is paramount.
Call to action
This in turn places the weight of action on Malibu’s community. If Malibu is going to leap forward academically and provide more than just a beach haven where literacy is only realized on a Duke’s menu or faded signs for littering penalties, then there is a serious need to consider a newer if not completely spanking new library for all to enjoy.
Romano encourages use of the current library and communication with Smith about qualms, views and novel ideas. This can be achieved by going to the library’s Web site at: www.colapublib.org/libs/malibu/