M E M O R A N D U M 05-01

TO: MAYOR HORNADAY AND HOMER CITY COUNCIL

FROM: COUNCILMAN DOUG STARK

DATE: 10 JANUARY 2005 COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE

SUBJECT: LIBRARY FEES

Councilmember Beck and I attended the meeting of the Library Advisory Board on 7 December. I was there to discuss with the Board the proposal to turn the unneeded four westerly lots into $340,000 for New Library Construction, and Rose was there presumably to keep herself apprized of what was going on and to thank the Board for its efforts in passing the bond issue.

The proposal to increase library card fees and fees for computer use was made in October. The Library Director told me that the library card fee was $3 both inside and outside the City. The Council approved a $6 fee for those outside the City. Even a youngster nowadays can come up with the additional $3 if he really wants a card. The present fee for a replacement card is $5, for a temporary card is $10. In Sydney, Australia, a library card for residents is free, is $11 for people living outside the City. For Evanston, Illinois, a non-resident card if $110. In Dallas, it is $175/year. A $3 increase to $6 does not seem unreasonable.

The big bone of contention seems to be charging for computer usage. The fees were set to be effective only from June to September so as to have minimum effect on students. The Library Director states that "if we charge for internet service, people will leave Homer to use free internet service in other Alaskan communities such as Kenai or Anchorage, and they'll take their tourist dollars out of Homer." I can just see the line of $150,000 Winnebagos, bumper to bumper, heading for Seward at 8 miles per $2.25 gallon to save $5. Actually, they don't have to leave - there are at least five other 'internet cafes' in Homer. But of course in almost all of them they would have to pay a similar charge. Which brings up a very important question: should we be competing with Homer merchants, undercutting their business with tax-supported computers?

We didn't get into video rentals in the budget process, but the library does check out videos at no charge. The librarian tells me that they are non-competitive because their videos are 'oldies'. However, two months ago I rented a 44-year old movie - the Manchurian Candidate, starring Frank Sinatra - from a video rental store. In any event, the library definitely should be charging for its videos to preclude competing with Homer business.

The philosophy of the American Library Association is that there should be no charges for use of public libraries. This idea reaches its ultimate expression in Library Special Districts in the lower 48, which get their revenue from property taxes but have very little public accountability in their governance or their setting of the tax rate. The Alaska Constitution prohibits this form and places all local tax setting in cities and boroughs.

RECOMMENDATION:

That the library charge fees for video check outs similar to those levied by local video rental stores.

Fiscal Note: Revenue, amount not projected.