City to Evaluate Its Library Services

Calabasas has hired a consultant to help determine if the city is receiving adequate library services from the Los Angeles county library system, or if it should take control of its tax monies and establish its own library.

Arroyo Associates Inc., which was awarded the $20,000 contract Wednesday night, was selected from two finalists because of its experience in dealing with the county system and with other cities, Calabasas officials said.

Mayor Lesley Devine said the county estimated recently that Calabasas pays about $500,000 annually to the county library system.

“We know we’re not getting, on the face of it, that much service,” she said. “What we’re looking for are what are our best options. The Legislature’s opened the door to investigate if the system is working or if it is not.”

She said the city must weigh the pros and cons of both situations, including being able to tap into a vast network of libraries by staying with the county, or being given control over how the money is spent by leaving.

A 1995 state law addressed the issues of cities wanting to leave a government system and established criteria for doing so.

Only a few cities have taken that option to date, but others are studying the possibility throughout the county, said Nancy Mahr, public information officer for the library system.

She said library officials knew Calabasas was taking bids for a consultant, but since they had not been informed that one had been retained, she could not comment further on the appointment.

“We don’t know what the consultant will ask,” she said. “But we’ll be happy to work with that person and provide them what they need.”

Mahr said the county currently provides service to 52 small cities and unincorporated areas.