Lilliputian Library Plan?

When I learned of the “little” new expansion plan for the Mary Cheney Library I thought the opponents of the original plan would be happy with it.

The recent study by the Board of Directors recommended a very modest 20,000-square foot expansion of the library as opposed to the original study recommending 65,000 square feet. But they are not. They say it’s a “cheap” solution and want the library elsewhere. I’m not happy with it either. But for different reasons.  

I believe the Board is sacrificing the real needs of the community for a modern expanded library in order to appease a small, noisy group of opponents. But let’s give them some credit. At least it’s an expansion and a modernization, although modest compared to the original plans.

However, before townspeople support it, we should hear from the Head Librarian and the Library Commissioners as to what they think of this shrinking plan. Will this Lilliputian expansion be enough? For how long? Given the changing nature of the library, will this $10 million expenditure satisfy our needs for the next several decades or will we be back at the table 10 years from now saying we should have done more and having to spend another $10 million (and pave a little more of the sacred Park)?

Has a poll been taken of library patrons asking what they think and need or is the board just listening to the few squeaky mouths (i.e. the historical society and neighbors of the park with a sports brand name)?

One director asked if there was some way to guarantee that this would be it – no more incursions into the park– apparently an attempt to appease the opponents.

Another was mostly concerned with where the dumpsters would be placed. The better question is will this plan give us a modern library fully serving our needs for the next several decades. What say you library patrons? Librarians? Library Commissioners? Speak up!