California libraries regroup after voters reject construction measure.(California Library Association)

California libraries planning construction and renovation projects are struggling to regroup following the failure of Proposition 81. The measure, which would have allowed the state to borrow $600 million in bonds for public library construction to accommodate its increased population, won only 47% of the vote in the June 6 election. The measure, reportedly the largest library construction bond proposition in state history, was placed on the ballot after a 2004 compromise by the legislature and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger to replenish the Library Bond Act of 2000, which provided $350 million for 45 library projects (AL, Jan. 2005, p. 27-28).

State Librarian Susan Hildreth blamed the defeat on a low voter turnout of around 30%. "If we had more turnout, I think we could have squeaked by," she told American Libraries, adding that the numbers were dominated by residents who went to the polls to vote …