Rural communities are often asked to do more with less. Templeton is no exception.
After the county closed its library in 1979, the Templeton community spent decades working to bring library services back to town. Through years of fundraising, volunteer efforts, local donations, and community support, Templeton ultimately opened its own community library in 2022.
Today, the Templeton Library serves children, families, students, seniors, and visitors. It provides educational programs, lifelong learning opportunities, and a gathering place that strengthens the community.
Yet while Templeton residents continue to pay into the county’s library tax system, the Templeton Library receives no operational funding from the county of San Luis Obispo Public Libraries. The result is that tax dollars generated in Templeton flow elsewhere while local volunteers and donors shoulder the responsibility of keeping their library open.
This is not a request for special treatment. It is a request for equitable treatment.
Rural communities contribute to the county just as urban communities do. A fair portion of the library tax revenue generated by Templeton residents should be invested back into the community that produced it.
The Templeton Library stands as proof of what local residents can accomplish together. It deserves the opportunity to thrive.
Nancy Whitt
vice president
Templeton Library
This article appears in July 2-9, 2026.
