North : BREA : Forum to Examine Future of Libraries

Librarians, city officials and business operators are holding a public forum Jan. 12 to explore ways to finance new libraries and make existing libraries more self-sufficient in response to declines in funding.

State Librarian Kevin Starr will provide an overview of the future, current entrepreneurial library experiments and today’s social and economic problems facing libraries.

The “Forum for Entrepreneurial Libraries” will take place at the Embassy Suites Hotel, 900 E. Birch St., from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Ideas to be discussed will include using libraries in shopping centers and offering conference areas, business services and determining how libraries can capitalize on urban redevelopment.

A library technology exhibit will be displayed and brainstorming sessions will take place as well.

Also, a case study on how a San Francisco library generated $30 million through philanthropy will be presented.

Sponsors of the event predict the demise of libraries without creative innovations to generate operating funds to save them.

The event is open to the public. Cost to register is $35 before Dec. 30 and $50 after that date.

For more information, call (714) 863-9200.