Council OKs Pact to Fund Avenue Library

Good news for book lovers on Ventura’s west side.

Monday night, the City Council authorized the city manager to carry out an agreement with the county that will funnel $90,000 in federal funds to the Avenue Branch Library, aimed at keeping it open through next June.

The council voted last March to allocate a portion of the city’s federal housing money to the Avenue Branch Library this fiscal year. Once City Manager Donna Landeros signs an agreement with the county, the money will begin to flow.

Last year, Ventura contributed $270,000 to keep the Avenue library open and extend hours at the city’s two main libraries--Wright and E.P. Foster.

The Avenue Branch Library budget for the year is estimated to be $137,000. The $90,000 will be used to pay rent, utilities and staff costs for July 1, 1997, through June 30, 1998. The county will pay the remainder of the costs.

Several local residents thanked the council for supporting the library. “The Avenue needs more access to libraries,” said Michael Millenheft. “I’m glad to see this approval and plan go forward.”

Lauri Flack wrote a note to the council saying, “Thank you, thank you, thank you for supporting the Avenue library.”