LETTERS URGED FOR LIBRARIES CAMPAIGN SEEKS EXTRA STATE FUNDING.

Byline: Susan Abram  Staff Writer

BURBANK - Residents are being asked to join a letter-writing campaign in a last-ditch effort to persuade state officials to grant Burbank at least $20 million for two new libraries.

Officials from the state's Library Construction Committee are expected to decide on Oct. 28 if Burbank is to receive funds from the $110 million available by the Library Bond Act, passed by voters statewide in 1999, said Burbank Library Director Sharon Cohen.

More than 60 cities are competing for the funding, she said.

``One of the things that is a strong point for us is that we did pass the bond measure and that's one of the criteria for the grant,'' Cohen said, referring to local Measure L, in which Burbank would match state funds for the proposed $38 million library projects.

More than two-thirds of Burbank voters approved Measure L in February. Funding is assessed through taxes. Most residents will pay $3 a month for 10 years to help match the $20 million state funds.

The city hopes to replace the Central and Northwest libraries, both considered out of date compared with the new Buena Vista Branch Library, which opened almost a year ago.

Library supporters are asking residents to write personal letters that detail how two new libraries will help improve the quality of life in Burbank, said Susan Bowers, executive director for the Burbank Chamber of Commerce, who also is a member of the library committee.

``What we're looking for is to demonstrate our grass-roots support, but what we want is people to personalize letters and drop them off to any of our libraries,'' she said. ``We want this funding so badly. We've worked so hard.''

More than 20 letters already have been received, Cohen said. Residents can drop letters, addressed to the Library Construction Committee, at the local libraries by Friday. For more information, contact the Burbank Central Library at 238-5600.

Susan Abram, [phone]

susan.abram(at)dailynews.com