Sunday, September 18, 2016

--- Isn’t the current library cramped and inefficient? ---

The argument in favor states: The small size and inefficiency of the Library severely impacts its ability to provide services and programs to children and adult users. Currently, space cannot be dedicated for use by seniors, teens and children.

The consultants noted the following in their presentation at the February City Council hearing, “large, open volume of the library affords the staff the flexibility to reorganize” and “the open plan of the existing library is efficient and allows for a flexible layout”. “Flexibility” is noted as a strength three times. Why is the City claiming otherwise?

They note “the open volume provides the opportunity for enhanced space partitioning”. Space can be dedicated. Just because care must be taken to maintain functional spaces does not mean it is an impossible task. An expansion would easily add the room deemed necessary. A closed off section for children could prevent the sound problems in the current building.


If you look to the right, you can see the City has plenty of room for an expansion in the northeast and north directions of the building.

Ultimately, the issues the City has used as rationale for the need to build a new library are all tied to deferred maintenance. The City could have very easily put in new carpets, new paint on the interior walls, build an expansion. Instead, the City has let the building essentially languish since 1983 when it was constructed. Although Group 4 may promise to build a Library that will last 50+ years, our 1983 Library was designed for the same service life. Regardless of who designs our municipal buildings, when the City fails once again to complete any significant maintenance, the new proposed Library will likely not even make it to 33 years. 

Take me back to the Table of Contents

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