The library system continually adapts and provides resources to the community
The Corpus Christi public library system has faced challenges in recent years but continues to provide needed resources to the community.
A new budget proposal could potentially keep a popular public library open in Corpus Christi if approved by the City Council in September.
The Dr. Clotilde P. Garcia Public Library, also located on the Kaffie Middle School campus, was initially proposed to be closed, with savings estimated at $648,000.
Late last week, city officials put forward a new proposal: reducing the hours of operation of all six of the city’s public libraries to cover the costs of opening the Garcia Public Library.
A PowerPoint presentation by the city shows that this would equate to a loss of around 34 operating hours for all locations combined.
The proposal also calls for six job cuts worth about $192,000, documents show. Some of the positions are currently vacant, and employees in some of the currently filled positions are expected to be transferred to other jobs with the city, officials said.
If the proposal is accepted, the cuts would not result in a change in the quality of service, library director Laura Garcia told the library board on Friday.
“We will continue to do our best to provide excellent customer service,” she said. “That’s what we’re here for: to provide service to our community.”
In addition, efforts are underway by the nonprofit Friends of the Corpus Christi Public Libraries, which is “actively exploring opportunities to raise funds to support our Corpus Christi Public Libraries,” said Jennifer Anderson, a library board member and Friends secretary.
City representatives first presented the proposal in a budget workshop, followed by a separate presentation to the library committee on Friday.
The closure of the Garcia Public Library was originally planned as part of approximately $9 million in cuts needed to balance the city’s budget for fiscal year 2025.
This year, about $25 million less will flow into the city’s coffers, due in part to lower property tax revenues and in part to the elimination of a road toll.
The closure of the Garcia Public Library was not due to weak foot traffic — the site was at capacity, council members said — but in part because the library was part of an “outdated business model.”
The library was operated through a partnership between CCISD and the city, but officials say the school district has since terminated the contract.
As of September 30, it will no longer be operated as a community facility, Garcia said.
City officials said there are also issues with public accessibility due to limited parking, busy school pick-up and drop-off times and safety concerns.
A new, stand-alone library – which would retain the name of prominent local figure Dr. Clotilde Garcia, also known as “Dr. Cleo” – is slated to be built elsewhere on the south side, officials said.
According to official information, the facility will be a combination of a library and a senior citizens’ center.
Approximately $2 million in funding for the design of a new site is expected to be included in the Bond 2024 program.
However, no funds have been allocated for construction. City officials say the funds would be requested through the 2026 bond program if the 2024 bond program is adopted.
There are no final decisions on the budget yet and discussions will continue for several weeks before the budget is passed in September.
More: “Here to provide services”: Corpus Christi public libraries remain a resource for the community
More: City officials have recommended budget cuts. Here’s what’s included.
