Cupertino's library has long been a point of pride for the community. In the past 20 years the library has consistently ranked first in the Santa Clara County library system in terms of number of items checked out. In January of this year, patrons borrowed more than 180,000 items. The library has also grown bigger and better in recent years. In October 2004, the city opened a new, two-story facility with material available in more than 20 languages.

In spite of its success, Cupertino's library has experienced bumps along the way. Since 1992, the California government has removed funding from libraries to help balance state budgets. As a result, Santa Clara County voters passed a 10-year parcel tax in 1995 to provide 20 percent of the library system's operating budget. The parcel tax expires in June. Two measures before voters this spring could change that.

"Once the parcel tax expires, we'll have further cuts unless the two ballots pass," said Mary-Ann Wallace, Cupertino's head librarian. The Santa Clara County libraries have already experienced a 44 percent drop in state revenue since the 1990s. Currently, the state removes $10.7 million annually from the county libraries.

The measures would help mitigate that loss by providing additional funding and restoring services. Measure A would continue the current $33.66 parcel tax and reopen Cupertino's library on Sundays. Measure B would increase the annual parcel tax by $12, allowing the library to restore hours and services and enhance its books and materials budget. Measure B is contingent on Measure A passing.

"The library is an extremely good resource," said Pat Rogers, president of the Cupertino Library Foundation. The foundation has also been an important source of library funding, raising $900,000 of a $1.5 million goal to help furnish and equip the new library. "They have an excellent collection and provide a great resource for young people," said Rogers, a resident of Cupertino since 1965.

County-wide, two-thirds of registered voters will have to vote for the measures to make sure those resources aren't further depleted. A mail-in ballot will decide both measures.

"There is no polling place," said Wallace. Ballots will be mailed to registered voters April 4 and have to be mailed back to the Santa Clara County Registrar by April 29. All ballots are due at the registrar's office May 3.

Wallace's staff has prepared a fact sheet, now available at the Cupertino library to help spread the word.

"What people don't understand is that while the new library building is city-owned, the county provides the actual library services," she said. "People tend to think things are fine because there is a new building."

"We're trying to be relevant," Wallace said. "But if neither measure is successful it will be difficult."

For information on Measure A and Measure B, visit www.santaclaracountylib.org.