Library leaders delay decision

After hearing from about 40 passionate library supporters, nearly all of whom urged leaders to keep open all 10 branches in the system, the Santa Cruz County Library Joint Powers Authority delayed a decision on the future of the libraries.
A meeting on Valentine’s Day at the Santa Cruz City Council Chambers was packed with library supporters, many from Felton, who expressed displeasure with Service Model D, a library staff-recommended plan that would eliminate four of the smaller community branches, including Felton, while keeping six branches open.
Library leaders formed a subcommittee of joint powers board members, Santa Cruz City Councilman David Terrazas, Supervisor Ellen Pirie, Capitola Councilman Sam Storey and board President Barbara Gorson. The subcommittee will look to perhaps combine several of the service models — labeled A, B, D and C — and will report on its findings at the March 7 board meeting.