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Voters could decide whether to ban privatizing libraries in Huntington Beach
A glimpse inside the Huntington Beach Central Library, considered a city jewel by many in the community.
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Jill Replogle
/
LAist
)
Topline:
A citizen-led initiative to ban privatization of Huntington Beach’s public libraries has qualified for the ballot.
Why now: The Huntington Beach City Council will have two possible library-related ballot initiatives to discuss at its first meeting of the year, on Jan. 21 — this one, and the potential repeal of a controversial children’s library book review board.
What’s the backstory? Public library advocates mounted a petition drive last year after the City Council flirted with outsourcing library operations to a private company. The company ultimately canceled its bid, but opponents continued collecting signatures to change the city’s charter to prohibit selling any public libraries or outsourcing management.
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Next steps: The council can adopt the measures outright, order an impact study, or put them on a future ballot.
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Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
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LAist
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