Received Report Title: Ventura County Library Jul 12 2013 Report Date: May 9, 2013 Ventura County Grand Jury Response*

The effectiveness of the VCLS appears to be reduced by budget cuts that cause reduction in hours of operation, employee coverage and by the competition of independent library administrations. (Att-01) (FA-01-03, 06, 10) The City of Thousand Oaks agrees with finding numbered FI-04.

It appears that the VCLS administration is impeded from providing the services to the public that are available in the independent library systems due to budget limitations and lack of County support. (FA-01, 02, 07) The City of Thousand Oaks agrees with finding numbered FI-05. The summer reading program is very successful. It deserves an

opportunity to expand through greater networking. The program would also be enhanced by asking for more volunteer assistance. (Att-04) FACTS: The City of Thousand Oaks agrees with fact numbered FA-08. FA-08. It was found in statistical materials presented by the VCLS, when the Camarillo and Moorpark libraries withdrew from the County system, they represented a greater number of employees that served approximately seven times the number of citizens as the average remaining VCLS library. When Simi Valley withdraws from the VCLS later in 2013, its numbers are also greater than the average VCLS remaining libraries. [Ref-02] (Att-08) toaks.org

It was found in statistical materials presented by the VCLS, when the Camarillo and Moorpark libraries withdrew from the County system, they represented a greater number of employees that served approximately seven times the number of citizens as the average remaining VCLS library. When Simi Valley withdraws from the VCLS later in 2013, its numbers are also greater than the average VCLS remaining libraries. [Ref-02] (Att-08) toaks.org Response to Grand Jury Report Form Ventura County Library July 9, 2013 The City of Thousand Oaks agrees with fact numbered FA-09. Municipalities claim that contract administration provides greater

efficiency, more services, and longer hours at a lower cost than county administration, according to an article entitled, "Annual Report 2010: Local Government Privatization," published by the Reason Foundation. [Ref-01] (Att- 02) The City of Thousand Oaks agrees with fact numbered FA-10.

Independent libraries were found to offer programs that are designed to encourage the public to observe, experience and explore the library, such as professional interest and entertainment presentations. (Att-03) SUMMARY: The City of Thousand Oaks wishes to thank the Grand Jury for its time in performing their review and determining various findings and facts. Signed: Date: July 9, 2013 Claudia Bill-de La Peña, Ma Number of pages attached 0 LIB600-30/nes/m:/staffreports/Attachment#2-GrandJuryLibraryStaffReport7-9-2013.doc