This is the scene San Jose library officials paint when describing what could happen if Measure E—the library benefit assessment fund, set to expire at the end of 2004—is not renewed.

"A lot of the materials in the library right now were purchased from this fund," said Willow Glen branch librarian Debbie Erwin.

Passed by San Jose voters in 1994, the 10-year fund program assesses $25 per single family parcel annually, and that money is dedicated to funding the library materials budget. For all San Jose Public Library branches, including the Willow Glen branch, 71 percent of the materials budget came from Measure E funds.

Library officials said they are concerned voters will confuse the bond measures passed in 2000, to fund construction of new libraries, with the renewal of Measure E. Monies from the 2000 bond are funding the construction of new libraries. But the monies cannot be used to purchase materials such as books, magazines, CDs, DVDs or computers.

"Bonds are for bricks and mortar," said Edna Sewill, former city library commissioner. "This parcel tax would be for materials."

Library officials are hoping the San Jose City Council agrees to place the new funding program—expected to be a "parcel tax" this time, because state laws for the benefit assessment mechanism have changed since 1994—on the November 2004 ballot. Initially the measure was targeted for the March ballot. But library officials were concerned that there wouldn't be enough time to get the message out to voters.

The library assessment will require a super majority for passage—a two-thirds vote.

So library staffers are concerned that the community be informed about what this funding will provide.

"We've been able to buy videos, DVDs, children's media materials, books in different languages," said Jane Light, library director. "Most of the books sitting on the shelves were bought within the last 10 years with the benefit assessment dollars."

Erwin added that if the library assessment isn't approved, the Willow Glen branch may have to cut adult programming, such as senior Internet and horticulture classes, and reduce the number of bestsellers that the library purchases on a regular basis. But she added, "The children's programming will remain a priority at the library even if we have to find volunteers."

Erwin noted that during the 10 years since the passage of Measure E, the branch has reported a huge increase in circulation, more than 100 percent for items borrowed.

"People have really responded to having a lot of choices on the shelves," Light said.

Library officials also emphasize that funding for these materials does not come out of the city's general fund, which pays for about 80 percent of the library's operating costs such as employees' salaries and utilities.

The size of the new assessment will be left up to the council, but library officials said they expect the dollar figure to remain unchanged at $25 per single family parcel.

"It looks like right now it would be continuing at the same amount, so it's not like really adding anything," said Tim Karris, chair of the library commission.

The continuation of the measure would provide the library with the necessary funding to maintain the personal computers and to continually upgrade the software and materials.

"This is what makes our library a great place to come—resources within the community, technology and some staff to help people," Light said. "We lose our margin of excellence if we lose this funding."

Circulation throughout the system has increased by 180 percent over the years, Light said. Officials added that the libraries had more than 5.4 million visits, which is more than the total number of tickets sold by the San Francisco Giants and Oakland A's combined last season.

That's a lot of users, Light said, and many of them are children. Many of the children's programs wouldn't be available without the funding, and much of the children's materials has been paid for by assessment dollars.

The importance of libraries' services continues to rank high among users, with 91 percent of patrons rating their experience as very good or excellent.

"Something they value very much is at risk," Light said.

Staff writer Amy Wick contributed to the story.