Wolk authorizes library districts to name themselves

Alleviating confusion in Solano County between Dixon public and school district libraries

“The reason for AB 796 is clear,” said Assemblywoman Wolk. “In my district, the Dixon public library’s legal name is the Dixon School District Library District of Solano County. Not only is the name a mouthful, but the public library is often confused with the Dixon Unified School District library. Unfortunately, the public library doesn’t have the authority to change its’ name. Legally changing their name entails a modification of the State’s Education Code, requiring legislative action. It’s ridiculous! The process needs to be simplified. ”

Under existing law, library districts must be designated using specified name and style guidelines.

AB 796 would allow a library district’s board of trustees to select a name that distinguishes the library district from an existing school district.

According to Dixon District Librarian Gregg Atkins, the district hopes to use a much shorter--and less confusing--name.

“We want a name that will really identify us, that will show what we really are and what services we provide,” he said. “I can’t tell you how many people have told me, ‘Oh, you’re part of the school district, aren’t you?’ But we aren’t. Even the State library sometimes thinks we’re the school library.”

AB 796 passed out of Local Government with a 6-0 vote, and will next be heard on the Assembly Floor in the next few weeks. Supporting the bill are the California Library Association, the Vacaville Unified School District, the California Special Districts Association, and the California Association of Councils of Governments.