To the editor:

Every time I visit the new Topeka and Shawnee County Public Library, I am in awe. This edifice of great architecture houses an art gallery, cafe, bookstore, media resource room, computer room and local history room. It is now a destination place in Topeka with hundreds of people visiting daily.

Lawrence can have a similar facility if we are creative and have the collective will. Why should the great Kansas city of learning, which some have nicknamed Athens on the Kaw, settle for second best when it comes to education?

As far as financing goes, why can’t taxpayers out in the county help pay for a new library? All taxpayers in Shawnee County are paying for the new Topeka library since those out in the county also use the library. Finally, can someone explain how the public would benefit by having a developer build the facility? The people of Lawrence deserve a first-class library that will serve the needs of the community for at least 20 years.

Clark H. Coan,

Lawrence