Library saga shows who’s hurt by city’s decisions

Re “La Jolla library maintains Monday hours with donor support” (Sept. 12): The La Jolla community is fortunate that residents raised enough money to keep its branch library open on Mondays. But the irony is inescapable.

Mayor Todd Gloria and the City Council refused to balance the city’s budget with reasonable reductions in City Hall’s swollen workforce. Rather than cut labor union and middle management jobs, elected officials reduced library hours systemwide. Branches that were open seven days will close on Sunday. Others will also be shuttered on Mondays.

Few communities can tap into private wealth to sustain their branch libraries. As with paid parking in Balboa Park, City Hall’s callous budget measures will disproportionately hurt low-income families and seniors on fixed incomes.

Todd Gloria ran for office pledging that he would represent “All of Us.” He and the council now bear the blame for widening the growing gap between the haves and the have-nots.

— Paul Krueger, Talmadge