Measure R is NOT a new tax, and the tax rate will NOT increase. YES on R simply continues existing library funding before it expires. Without your vote, our libraries will lose more than half of their funding, and will be forced to make deep cutbacks in book collections, services, and hours.

Our libraries are critical to promoting childhood learning and development. Last year over 600,000 children’s books were checked out—and 40,000 kids attended library reading/education programs.

YES on R maintains programs, summer Reading Clubs, and Story Time, and provides books for children.

YES on R increases resource materials for school-age children, and continues programs for teens/pre-teens.

By providing adult literacy and outreach services for seniors and the homebound, YES on R makes our libraries accessible to all. By updating book collections, electronic databases and other technologies, YES on R ensures that information is freely available to everyone. By laying the groundwork for a new Felton Branch Library, YES on R continues to build the library system we need!

With 1.5 million library visits and 2.5 million items checked out in the past year, our libraries are places to learn for kids, families and communities. Measure R ensures that our Boulder Creek, Felton, Scotts Valley, Garfield, Santa Cruz, Branciforte, Live Oak, Soquel, Aptos, LaSelva Beach, Freedom and Watsonville libraries can continue to serve you.

YES on R includes strong fiscal accountability requirements, such as annual, independent financial audits and independent Citizen’s Oversight to ensure money is spent as promised.

Vote YES on R – for our libraries now and in the future. Visit KeepOurLibrariesStrong.com for information or a lawn sign.

s/ Gayle T. Ortiz
Owner, Gayle's Bakery; Former Capitola Councilmember

s/ George Ow, Jr.
Local Business Owner and Philanthropist

s/ Mary E. Hammer
Community Volunteer

s/ Tila Guerrero
Business Owner, Community Volunteer

s/ Dan Haifley
Director, O'Neill Sea Odyssey, Environmental Educator