School Budget Cuts Hit the Books

Re “$459 Million in Cuts Are Considered for Fiscally Strapped L.A. Schools,” April 26: If the board decides to cut the library aide positions to three hours a day, it will not only close the elementary school libraries for half the day but also, over time, destroy them. It is not possible in three hours a day to 1) meet with the library committee to discuss expenditure of funds; 2) complete book orders, process new books, check them into the computer and shelve them; 3) maintain five computers, three software programs, the card catalog and keep patron files current; 4) check in and out an average of 280 books a day and shelve same; 5) have each classroom visit the library once a week; 6) read to the kindergartners; 7) remain open at recess and lunch for research, quiet study and checkout; and 8) repair books, clean tables, dust shelves and read reviews to keep up to date with new publications.

I know because I am very busy doing all this in six hours a day. I challenge LAUSD Supt. Roy Romer and school board members to come to our library and observe for a day--and then tell me that cutting the library aide position to three hours will not be detrimental.

Susan Cummings

Woodland Hills