Hi,
Please consider the following when you make a decision tomorrow regarding the library:
1. The process has not been fully transparent to the public, it is biased and based on political gain rather than the real needs
of our community:
- The "needs assessment" was based on very few opinions, without any insight to cost or alternatives. It was biased to begin with
and reached a very limited circle of inner-supporters.
- Whatever public input that was gathered during the Siting Meetings, was disregarded by Staff. Regardless of the overwhelming
support for the Alma site, Staff still went ahead and is recommending the "Laurel site".
2. We are a small town of a ~33,000 population. Comparing our needs to a city that is twice or three times as large is not
relevant.
3. The main library as it is, is perfectly suitable. It is small and cozy and feels like "home" instead of a huge facility where
you get lost. Instead of wasting money on a grandiose endeavor, here are a few suggestions where creativity and forward thinking
can resolve some of the demand that was suggested. I will take as example the morning story time. From my experience it is busy,
but I always wondered why easy solutions are not implemented. For example:
- Idea 1: I pass by the Council Chambers almost every day. In the mornings it is sitting empty. This is a perfect space for little
people (toddlers/preschoolers) to sit around and listen to a story. I attended a show there a while ago, and the setting was
perfect! This space can be utilized during the mornings.
- Idea 2: Engage Little House in a partnership. Introduce a collaboration between Seniors and Preschoolers, and establish a
tradition of engaging Seniors to volunteer in creating Story Time meetings for the younger generation. This has proven to be a
wonderful endeavor in many countries.
- Idea 3: Use the outdoors. I must say that the library has put together some wonderful events outdoors, in the grassy area under
the large Oak Tree. We have so many beautiful days, the best weather in the world. Instead of being stuck inside a room (however
big or "modern" the 4 walls can be), why don't we use the outside space that we already have more often? Story time in summer can
certainly take place outside. There can be more of it, in smaller groups (kids do better in small groups rather than huge crowds,
so a larger space is not needed).
I am against the idea of wasting money on a perfectly viable library. I am all for making it better: expanded hours of operations,
better utilization of the current space and other spaces that are available on this campus and otherwise in the city.
As a mom of 2 pre-teen kids and one preschooler, I understand the importance of a library and value the fact that we are lucky
have such a wonderful resource. When we arrived to the area, 17 years ago, the Library was my "second home" and provided
invaluable resources as a newcomer to this area. Our family is an avid user of the facility and spends many hours there either at
Story Time, reading and checking out books and DVD's, doing homework after school, attending events that the library sponsors,
tutoring (I used to volunteer for the Reading Program some years back, and my son uses the space to tutor younger kids there). We
never felt that the facility is not good enough and appreciate the fact that we have it close by! Story Time is the only program
that is consistently busy, and I believe can be structured and managed more efficiently.
I don't believe that having a bigger facility will make it better.
I believe, if the project moves forward, that it will be irresponsible use of public money that can be used elsewhere to improve
other more important things.
Thank you for your consideration.
Osnat Loewenthal
Mom, Long Time Menlo Park Resident, Avid Library user and supporter who believes that what we have is good as is, Worried Resident
who believes that transparency and accountability should be leading the Council in its decisions. Hopeful that the Current Council
will show responsibility and be strong in making a tough decision that will forever be respected!
