August 12, 2009
Don't expand library, add satellite locations instead
Regarding the design and location of a new Wicomico Public Library, I believe the public may not need a state of the art, elaborate and huge new building.
A woman who said she walks miles to get to the library should provide a clue that instead of one "bigger and better" building, we need several smaller satellite buildings.
At least one location in each of the four directions from the city, with access to various media, especially computer terminals, would perhaps better serve the community.
There are empty buildings in each direction which could be utilized to bring library access to those who need it most.
Barbara Hanson
Salisbury
We dont need a new library at all. The goverment both fed and local are addictted to spending. They just cant stop. Its like a herione addicttion or something. You know what happens to addicts? They break their addicttion or they die.
ReplyDeleteNice idea, Barbara, but they'll never do it. It makes too much sense.
ReplyDeleteI live at the north end of town, and try to coordinate a stop at the main library with any other trip to downtown, but it would be incredible to have a branch located, say, in one of the now-empty storefronts up this way. Same thing, I would think, for the folks on the west side, etc. etc.
AND, if there is enough use, and we as county taxpayers somehow get flush again, we could consider an owned rather than rented space.
Someday.
But this will never happen. They don't do things that are logical and don't cost millions. Too bad.
I live in a county that has a main Library and satellite libraries, and I love it. Once a month I go online and order books to be delivered to my local branch. Some arrive in a few days some take longer as they are checked out. It takes some planning, but it can be done. When out town opened our satellite library a few years ago, it had a small budget to buy books, and staff it. The donations of books from the community was unreal, over 150k books, and staffing shortages were filled by high school students that need community service credit to graduate. Parents volunteer to lead story times, lego contests, "book series activities" and fund raisers. We currently have the smallest slice of the funding pie, but w have one of the best libraries in the county.
ReplyDeleteDelmar, Fruitland, Hebron, and Willards would all make great satelite locations to start.
Far From Home
You heard it here first, folks. Barbara Hanson is dead wrong.
ReplyDeleteWhile I believe everyone should be allowed to make their opinions public, what Salisbury and Wicomico County and the Lower Shore need most is a large, modern library facility that doubles as an inviting community center and is in a structure that includes retail, office and other uses.
Its high time we left these decisions to experts (architects, urban development experts, urban designers). The conversation the public should be having is - can we afford it, and if so, how exactly are we planning on paying for it?
I find it hard to believe that there is the need for a new, bigger library. With everything going techno now hasn't actual use of paper and books declined? And it will further decline in the future. The library should stay put and be happy. We see what happened with the wonderful 8 million dollar idea of a community perforning arts center. That building is now gone. Why oh why do we not utilize what we have and be happy with it? And to 1:59, have you looked around Salisbury lately? We have the civic center and other venues for community gathering already, and far, far too many EMPTY retail and office spaces. The whole downtown plaza is nothing but unused office space. That's another topic....OPEN THE DANG GUM PLAZA AS A REAL STREET!!!
ReplyDeleteEver heard of the Bookmobile? They bring the library to a neighborhood near you.
ReplyDeleteWhen I go the "library" all I have to do is walk out my front door, and up the street 100 yards.
I can request specific books or DVDs online and they bring them right to me!
No new buildings needed. We already have the service in place, operating RIGHT NOW!!
To 11:49am...if you're at the North End of Salisbury, why don't you utilize the 'satellite' at the Centre Mall? There are also already 'satellites' at Bivalve and Pittsville...Did anyone know that? I can say, people don't use these 'satellites' because they are poorly stocked, have limited hours and limited resources. The Main Library does need a LOT of work and Updating....Do we need a relocated multi-million dollar new facility? Probably not, but who wants to take the time to invest in proper updating and maintenance when you can just stick the tax payers with the cost!
ReplyDelete11:49
ReplyDeleteThere is a satellite branch in the center by chucky cheese.