In a surprising oversight, Mayor Todd Gloria's recent State of the City address didn't mention San Diego's library system, and advocates are not pleased. Patrick Stewart, the CEO of the San Diego Public Library Foundation, is calling for increased funding, highlighting how budget cuts have taken a toll on the community's access to essential services. Libraries aren’t just about books; they serve as vital hubs for job seekers and support services for those in need.

With all 37 library branches closing on Sundays, and 17 also closed on Mondays, the gaps in services are becoming more apparent. Stewart insists that libraries are critical to the community’s future and advocates for full-time operations across all branches. As funding stagnates at levels reminiscent of 30 years ago, it raises a significant question: do we truly recognize the value of our libraries?

It's a wake-up call for readers and supporters of public spaces—because a library without visitors is like a cafe without coffee; it just doesn't work! Let's hope the budget discussions can turn the tide before our literary spaces become just a distant memory.