As budget cuts are on the horizon for the city of Corpus Christi, one grassroots organization is making a big effort to make sure libraries aren’t impacted.
The group is called ‘For the Greater Good.’ It’s a group of women who advocate for important issues in the community.
Isabel Araiza, a concerned resident says, her and two others formed the group after the city required mandatory water boils several years ago. Since then, the group has made it their mission to better the community they live in.
"We’re hoping to help the city council see that funding the libraries is important," Araiza said.
The group sits in on city council meetings, where recently, talks of budget cuts loom. Many like the ladies of ‘For the Greater Good’ have voiced their concern as worried library patrons.
"The public libraries offer all kind of services," Araiza said "They’re so important in terms of community centers and access to resources, that it’s something that’s worth fighting for."
In a March budget workshop, the city proposed a six percent cut to all departments. For the libraries, that’s just shy of $250,000. However, the most recent budget workshop on Wednesday, did not include any cuts for libraries. But the city says, libraries aren’t in the clear just yet because additional cuts are being considered. Those additional cuts will be presented at the next budget workshop in June.
Until then, ‘For the Greater Good’ is collecting signatures for a petition. On May 22nd, the group will present those signatures to city council.
"We think that we can, with a concerted effort, we can save the libraries," Araiza said.
To date, ‘For the Greater Good’ has collected over 1,200 signatures.
Rita Clark, a Corpus Christi resident, had no problem signing her name. She says libraries are an importance public space, and one that keeps the community going.
"This is serious stuff," Clark said "And we need to look at it and not just say, ‘oh, it’s about a budget today,’ but what about its affect for tomorrow?"
If you would like to sign the petition, it’s not too late. On Saturday, ‘For the Greater Good’ will be at the ‘Lucha Libros!’ event from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Their goal is to get 2,000 signatures to present to city council.
