Current Issues

What is Happening?

The Florida Time-Union's July 24 editorial summed up the situation as follows:

"The slow destruction of Jacksonville's proud library system continues with the latest demands for cuts in its budget.

If someone were trying to stop people from going to the library, they're doing a great job. Hours are being cut, and there are fewer new materials. Meanwhile, all the buildings are still operating, even those that are run down and badly needing repairs.

Is this what Jacksonville's residents want? Clearly, voters should have a chance to weigh in, not just about the revenues needed to operate a first-tier library system but a management structure that allows for planning...."

Straw Ballot Campaign for Libraries

As part of its advocacy activities in support of libraries, Save Our Public Libraries, Inc. is supporting a straw ballot campaign to determine if there is public support for the creation of a Duval County Library District, similar to the successful independent districts in Alachua County and Orange County, Florida. 

More than 26,000 petitions from registered voters are being sought to place this nonbinding straw ballot on the ballot in Year 2014. 

Due to the laws that govern straw ballot initiatives, it is not possible for a straw ballot to appear any sooner than the latter half of the Year 2014, but there is every reason to begin this effort now. 

The campaign has the support of the governing boards of The Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library, Inc. and the Jacksonville Libraries Foundation, Inc. 

Petitions must be signed by registered voters and in order to accomplish that task, we need volunteers and coordinators.

Volunteers/Coordinators

Please go to our Volunteer page to sign up.

Friends of the Jacksonville Public Library

Book Warehouse Sale - August 21 thru September 1

Click here to see the complete details including map to location.

Save Our Public Libraries, Inc. is a pure advocacy organization. It is not constrained in delivering an important message of library support to the extent that a non-profit entity or a public agency may be constrained. This site will serve as a platform to deliver important messages of library support to public officials.