
Picket signs of protest bounced high above the heads of neighbors who staged a rally in Ocean Beach on Saturday, Nov, 15. An estimated 150 to 200 people, concerned about the possible shuttering of Ocean Beach Library on Santa Monica Avenue, stepped up to voice opposition to the proposed library cuts. Supporters and neighbors planned to meet at Ocean Beach resident Kathleen Blavatt’s home Tuesday, Nov. 18 to discuss possible suggestions they can offer the city to keep the library open, said Pat James, president of the Ocean Beach Historical Society. The library just celebrated an 80th anniversary in October. Aside from its obvious services, the library has been a vital part of the community as a meeting place for many grassroots organizations. One of the first Ocean Beach Historical Society meetings took place there, James said. “We want to let the city know we’re not just going to be OK with the library closing and that being our only option,” James said. “We could live with reduced hours or (deal with it being) closed a day a week or even have volunteers run it. If the city can’t run it then maybe volunteers can.” The library had been slated for a redesign in 2002 but the city kept delaying improvements because of budget issues, according to officials.