We want the Stockton city council to budget for the reopening of the Fair Oaks Library for the fiscal year 2015-2016. Libraries are an important part of the fabric of the community. Much more than books, they are a community resource providing a safe place to learn, explore, and grow. From literacy programs to book readings to computers and internet access, they enrich the community and offer residents the chance to advance.

In 2010 as a result of budget deficits brought on by a historic recession and bad investments, the city decided to close Fair Oaks to save money. Five years later Stockton is no longer in a deficit and emerging from bankruptcy and once again operating at a surplus. However, many of our challenges still exist: poverty, low education, and nationally ranked crime and illiteracy rates. The east side of Stockton where the library is located bears the brunt of many of these statistics. It is predominately Mexican (up to 78% in certain areas), Black, and Whites facing up to 42% poverty and 17% unemployment rates. The resources and opportunities are already very limited.

The building is currently for sale by the city for $425,000, a cost that would be minimally gained as compared to the millions it would cost to build a new one.

It's closure was never intended to be a permanent solution to a temporary problem. Recently the City Manager made comments to the media citing his hesitancy to reopen the library as lessons from bankruptcy. It should be noted that libraries didn't cause the bankruptcy, but bad downtown investments such as the Stockton Arena and suburban sprawl did. The city still subsidizes the Arena $3-5 million a year. Meanwhile our children have to take limited bus routes to the nearest library- an hour round trip.

Our children are the future and right now they need their library back.

The community agrees the time to reopen the Fair Oaks Library is now.