Dear council members-
Though recently termed out of the library commission, I plan to continue advocating for the best libraries we can have. Given that parents and caregivers have to register online and in advance for some of our most popular story times (held in the basement), it is clear to me that the library is using all of its space to the maximum that it can. On the visit to other library branches, we learned that they didn’t plan enough space for the teens who flock to the library after school - because there is space designed for their unique needs. Our space is woefully inadequate at the moment. If we hope to keep this next generation connected and involved, then we must continue to improve the services and public meeting places that will nurture those qualities.
And because ALL people in our community deserve access to a library that meets their needs, I would also like to hear continued support for the Belle Haven library improvement plans.
I don’t believe it should be either/or. Currently demand at the main branch for meeting space, tutoring space, program space and community gathering space are exceeded by multiple measures. Council needs to think “yes, and”. Having followed other recent community library investments, no community regrets improving their public front porch. I’m sure that if you vote to proceed with the main library improvement project you won’t either.
Thank you for the time you’ve taken to think this through. Vote to proceed, please.
Jacqui Cebrian
Former library commissioner, member of the Belle Haven Library Advisory committee, MPCSD reading specialist, parent and avid library user.
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