WG library is full of its shelves

Will sell books and cakes to augment Measure E funds

By Michele Leung

Willow Glen bibliophiles would like to have more resources at their library, but city librarians say that the Willow Glen branch is getting by just fine. While the library is not critically overcrowded or underfunded at this point, its ability to continue to provide services depends on efforts by the community.

One of the most pressing needs the library faces is adequate space. The 5,300-square-foot facility is one of the smallest branches in the San Jose public library system. "Our challenge is, if we add another computer station, how many books do we remove?" said Paul Underwood, assistant city librarian.

"A couple months ago, a woman was upset because there were lots of kids here on a Friday morning and complained there was no room for quiet study," said Maurice Stevenson, head librarian at the Willow Glen branch. "I told her that once a week for one hour, we have a preschool program. I told her to come other times during the week when it's much more quiet."

Another challenge the library faces is to provide enough materials. The Friends of the Willow Glen Library is the core support group for the library and raises money to provide programs and materials that aren't earmarked in the library's budget. Contributions amount to $10,000 annually.

"As a small child, I remember the library being a big piece of my childhood," said Friends co-chair Ann Lindahl. "I want to make sure the local library is in good shape."

Friends of the Willow Glen Library encourages community members to support the library, and Lindahl wants others to know their involvement would augment the library's services. Fundraising ideas for the library tend to be low-tech, she says, but she hopes that the book and bake sale slated for the summer will result in much higher participation by the community.

Much of the funding for the city's library has come from Measure E, which was approved in 1994. Homeowners in the city are taxed a flat fee, $25 a year for 10 years. "It has produced $5.6 million, dedicated all to the libraries, which is wonderful. It can't be used for anything else," said Underwood.

The Willow Glen library has seen immediate effects because of these funds. The staff has been able to purchase new materials and upgrade the library substantially. New carpeting, shelving and interiors gave the library a new facelift last winter.

Besides the recent renovation, the library will soon have new tiles in its patio. However, the tile project, funded by the Willow Glen Beautification Project and the Friends group, has lasted longer than anyone has expected. The tiles were completed in March but have been sitting in artist Nina Koepcke's studio.

The project committees have had trouble finding a cement contractor willing to do some community service. The project requires a cement frame around the tiles and a pad on which the tiles will lie. Koepcke doesn't hide her frustration in not finding a certified pair of hands. "I can't find a soul. I've appealed to the community," she said, adding that the tiles are taking up space that she needs in her studio.

Koepcke would rather not wait the two years that some contractors have told her would be necessary.

The library doesn't want to be a solo operation. To find out more about Friends of the Willow Glen Library, call the library at 277.4801 or 998.2053. To provide a tip on a cement contractor, contact Koepcke at 269.3228.

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