Could privatizing the public library save taxpayers money and result in longer hours, more books and newer computers? Perhaps, according to an article by The Atlantic Cities.

In the article, it cited Santa Clarita, California, who decided to leave the Los Angeles County Library system in 2010. Officials at the time had considered running their own public library system, but eventually voted to let LSSI manage the three libraries. Residents complained, stating that there would be shorter hours, less books and a greater burden to taxpayers.

But in reality, the library system has become a model of innovative public-private partnerships that is being looked at by many other municipalities across the United States. The Santa Clarita library system is now open on Sundays, and there are longer hours for the other six days. In addition, there are now 77 new computers – which at an average cost of $2,000, is no small cost. There are more books, with the article citing that there is an entire collection dedicated to homeschooling parents, and new children’s programs. There is now a laptop rental service. And LSSI is considering building a new library building.

Even better, the burden to taxpayers has been reduced. The city’s initial proposal to run their own library system would cost citizens $5.1 million a year, but LSSI receives just $3.8 million. With that savings, the city has budgeted $4.8 million to the library system, with the additional million dollars going to purchase new books and to fund the new library building.

How does LSSI save the taxpayers and the city money? It cuts the benefits afforded to the library workers by the state. The staff, for instance, was removed from the state pension plan and their retirement is now being funded by 401K, a more long-term and viable solution to solving the looming baby-boomer retirement funding crisis. It also sheds SEIU, the local union, from complete control over the library system. The SEIU stated that Santa Clarita must demonstrate that LSSI mut show overall cost savings, and that the cities looking to privatize must receive three bids. Read more

Could a micro brewery soon come to Cincinnati, Ohio‘s Eden Park? That is possible, according to the Cincinnati Enquirer, who reported that the 118-year-old pump station behind Krohn Conservatory along Martin Drive could be sold and turned into a micro brewery.

The 7,000 square-foot structure was designed by famous architect Samuel Hannaford and features a red brick facade and decoration. The pump station for the adjacent resevoir ceased operations in 1908. In 1939, the building was repurposed as a central radio communications center for the city, which lasted until the mid-1980s. It is currently used for storage. The tower is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

The developers, Jack and Bryon Martin, own the Cincinnati Beer Company and hope to brew small batches of beer to sell at local restaurants. A tap room in the building would be open to the public. The project could be funded with state tax credits from the Ohio Department of Development.