FAIRFIELD, CA (MPG) - The 2021-2022 Solano County Grand Jury has released the following report entitled:

An Operational Review of Solano County Library Services (SCLS)

To see how the Libraries in Solano County weathered the COVID pandemic, the 2021-2022 Solano County Civil Grand jury conducted a comprehensive review of local libraries. The Jury found that faced with the challenge of serving the community when most of its “business” was based on walk-ins, the Solano County Library Services shifted its focus to implement technology to meet the needs of the community. 

While some counties ended up closing their libraries for several months, Solano County libraries were able to continue operating with a full staff during the pandemic. They used existing staff to help maximize online access to e-books, DVDs, CDs, and added curb-side checkouts. Because of the restructuring of library services, the community now has access to a wide range of free informational programs and resources.

In spite of the great strides made in technology, facility maintenance is a persistent issue in county buildings. In its investigation of Solano County Library Services (SCLS), the 2021-2022 Grand Jury found there were deficiencies in facility maintenance, marketing and community outreach activities, data collection mechanisms, and maintenance of updated information on public agencies operating within SCLS. Library Services conducted assessments of its facilities and reported its findings in the March 7, 2021, Solano County Library Facilities Master Plan. The plan included several recommendations which still remain outstanding.

Perhaps one of the issues in resolving maintenance issues is while the county manages the libraries, most library facilities are owned and maintained by cities, school districts, or special districts, not the County. One common issue identified countywide is a deficit in library space.

The Vallejo library branches personify the problems most of the county libraries share. For example, at the Springstowne Branch, a request for a new heating, ventilation and air conditioning system (HVAC) has gone unfulfilled. As a result, it cannot be used as a designated cooling center. In addition, other unresolved maintenance issues exist relating to the electrical system and internet connectivity.

Meanwhile, John F. Kennedy Branch (also in Vallejo) has second floor access problems. Though the facility has two elevators one has been broken for what some people say has been years while the other threatens to break down at any time. The lack of access to the second floor makes the facility non-ADA compliant.

In addition, some county libraries are experiencing leaky roofs, flooding, high noise levels, poor lighting, and lack of public outreach.

The Solano County Grand Jury is an investigatory body and part of the judicial branch of government. The results of Grand Jury investigations are reported to public officials and to the general public through written reports, which contain the Jury’s findings and recommendations.  Public officials are required to respond to Grand Jury findings and recommendations within 60 or 90 days.

These reports are available on the Grand Jury website, which may be accessed at www.solano.courts.ca.gov by clicking on “Grand Jury Information.”