Senator Alpert is one of the members of the Prop. 14 bond board, who will be deciding who receives the money from the third and final phase of Prop. 14.

Elyse explained the history of the Ramona library and the efforts of the friends in past years to supplement the funds available to the library. She presented the Senator with a brochure showing the present library, its crowded facilities and lack of parking and outlining the future plans.

Cielo poignantly told the Senator of the need for more computers and up to date research materials for students. She pointed out that the school library closes at 4pm, leaving students to rely on whatever they might have available at home, or go down the hill to Poway or San Diego.

Cielo is active in bilingual tutoring programs for children and told of the lack of books and space to keep the children interested in reading.

Joan explained to the Senator that the library would be the cornerstone of the Ramona intergenerational community campus, providing Ramona with a facility that would serve old and young alike. She spoke of the total community support and what the new library would mean to the community.

Senator Alpert was very attentive and interested, but reminded us that there are almost 70 communities vying for these funds. She indicated that she expected the bond board hearing to be after the November election.

The Bond Act allocates $350 million to be granted by the California State Library on a matching basis of 65%-35% to successful applicants from all over California. The act gives top priority to libraries designed as joint venture projects that share location with public schools and include homework centers. The Ramona Library will have a homework center, literacy center, and study rooms with computers.

The state will disperse the money in three yearly cycles beginning in 2002. The San Diego County Board of Supervisors plan to enter the Ramona Library's application in the third cycle. About one quarter of the expected applications can be funded through Prop 14. Thus, in February 2004 the county will apply for a grant totaling about $4.68 million for building the new Ramona Library, or 65% of the $7.2 million budget for construction and furbishing. The Ramona community is responsible for providing the remaining $2.52 million (35%) in matching funds from foundation grants and donations from business and individuals. We are ineligible for Community Development Block Grants, unlike most other communities in our area.

As of mid September 2003, the Friends of the Ramona Library still need to raise approximately $600,000 to make their 35% in matching funds, but are optimistic that they will reach the goal with the help of the community.

For more information on the Ramona Library Fund and Proposition 14, you can click here to email Joan Gansert, Chair, or you may call her at (760)788-3043, ext. 109.