To the editor:
Before you vote “yes” on the library proposal, please consider the following thoughts.
- Given the present financial insecurity in our country, is now the time to increase the financial burden on Lawrence residents?
Yes, the library does need remodeling, but considering a revised design following the architectural style of our present building would greatly reduce the expense, as well as be a structure that says “important public building” and fulfills the needs of new library technology. The present building has stood the test of time and still is contemporary and dignified in its appearance.
Design considerations, such as floor plans defining areas for new and future reader services, book shelving, computers and check-out centers would be included in the renovation and, by providing more efficiency, would be more cost-effective. Providing attractive spaces, tables and comfortable armchairs also plays an important part in the public’s perception of the library as a user-friendly and enjoyable place.
Serious consideration should also be given to building a branch library closer to the center of the present Lawrence population. This would give new life to users of the library, particularly children, young people and senior citizens, who would get easier access to its doors. Meeting rooms, etc., would be available for many extracurricular activities.
Basically, the final commitment for a library improvement plan, although needed, should include more input from the community, more research into cutting costs with a new architectural plan and a fresh insight into solving the parking problems.
Jan Gaumnitz,
Lawrence
Comments
merrill 2 years, 7 months ago
Public input has been taking place for a few years.
Kash_Encarri 2 years, 7 months ago
Too bad those that put this proposal out hasn't been listening.
gl0ck0wn3r 2 years, 7 months ago
Merrill, you always argue for more public input and more studies... Except when it is something you want. Funny, too, how you complain about taxes unless it is for something you want. Hypocritical much?
labmonkey 2 years, 7 months ago
Merrill... when haven't you been for an increased tax?
justforfun 2 years, 7 months ago
Vote NO!!!!!!!!
OonlyBonly 2 years, 7 months ago
When do the "leader's" of Larwrence listen to the people? Not often that's for sure. Too expensive for the gain. Vote NO.
xbusguy 2 years, 7 months ago
Nope, not at this time.
Kansas_Girl 2 years, 7 months ago
It's interesting that community members who own property that they hope to sell to the City for a LIbrary branch or for a relocation (Riverfront Mall) are urging us to stop and think about other locations before voting....?
oneeye_wilbur 2 years, 7 months ago
Kansas Girl, the owns , read my lips, owns park land next to the East Lawrence rec center, the city owns, read my lips, park land next to the former Alternative High school building which is still owned by the taxpayers, read my lips. The city owns acres and acres of ground for a branch library. What the city officials do not "own" up to is raising private money for two branch libraries for starters.
Riverfront Mall is a dead idea, a bad idea. So forget about that idea.
Use the many acres of already owned "city" property. This town has so much public land available that is unthinkable to buy more land.
I would challenge the Journal World to display in their paper a complete map of the city with all university owned(which is taxpayer owned), city property , acres and acres. So tell me there is a reason to sell private property for a branch library. NO there is not.
grammaddy 2 years, 7 months ago
Yes yes yes yes yes yes.
cato_the_elder 2 years, 7 months ago
This is a courageous letter from a highly respected member of our community who obviously has a lot more common sense than those who have written the standard touchy-feely letters on this subject, including one such letter today. The fact that this proposal would be floated during these economic times (how many homes are for sale in Lawrence right now, and how long have they been on the market?) is an embarrassment to Lawrence and continues to reinforce our image statewide as a community without a clue as to the negative impact of never-ending increased levels of taxation on our overall economic productivity and growth.
oneeye_wilbur 2 years, 7 months ago
Agreed. Maybe this letter will convince the university community, since they so often influence the expense of projects on the community.
jayhawklawrence 2 years, 7 months ago
A very good letter.
Thanks.
jayhawklawrence 2 years, 7 months ago
If we wait, we will get something better and more appreciated by the community.
I have no doubt.
I am sorry to have to vote NO.
notajayhawk 2 years, 7 months ago
"If we wait, we will get something better and more appreciated by the community."
Since when have the Lawrence voters followed that philosophy? Remember the mT vote? Lots of people on these message boards said the bus company should prove they could make it a more usable and more viable system first, but they were shouted down by the 'Give them the money, and I'm sure they'll make the improvements' crowd. How'd that work out? (I guess fine, if you happen to be a KU student.)
Solomon 2 years, 7 months ago
I was there again yesterday. Again, almost no one in the library. The only crowding was caused by putt-putt golf holes on the floor right in the entry/exit traffic pattern. Nothing going on in the meeting room by the door. No kids in the kids section.
Vote NO!
somedude20 2 years, 7 months ago
what if they put a bookshelf full of books on every empty bus. 2birds1stone
kernal 2 years, 7 months ago
Bookmobile.
oneeye_wilbur 2 years, 7 months ago
Thank you Mrs. Gaumnitz for your comments about the design of the current building. It would do wonders if it had been maintained all along, a simple sweeping of entrances daily makes a difference. Carpet cleaning. better ways to handle the checkout of books, the counter was moved back , but sadly the director doesn't understand that now with a bigger space in front of the counter, the line still blocks the main "aisle". A new director would be the best thing for starters.
Branch libraries are the way to go. Raise the money privately, it will cost enough to operate them but no more than a fancy renovation at the present building. No one is talking about the cost of additional staff there.
The Journal World, sadly, has not and will not report the detailed financial costs associated with this bond issue. What are the real costs paying off , even the architects fees over 20 years. This is about long term financing which the Journal World for some reason will not delve into.
Lastly, any branch libraries should not be west of Kasold for starters. The first one should be on the East side of town. I am sure if Mrs. Gaumnitz traveled east , would realize that there are many east of Iowa, far east who would rather have a nice facilty in there area. East Lawrence rec center has the land, has the numbers of population to support such a facility. And suprisingly, many on the east side Mass are not poor either. Why deny the kids on the east side of town something?
Vote NO>
oneeye_wilbur 2 years, 7 months ago
That would be Roger Johnson Demoliton or better yet, Dozer Bait Real Estate, the block is waiting to be leveled. Bring it on!.
The smell may actually be that left behind of "not_holroyd",there is a skank or skunk smell around the area.
mr_right_wing 2 years, 7 months ago
I'm really starting to resent our local library. (I resent anyone threatening to take my money.)
If this passes my resentment will turn into disgust directed at our public library (Just as I'd feel disgust toward anyone who is stealing my money.)
Keep Mr. Right Wing happy.....vote NO on Tuesday.
(Hey...I've worn out all my other 'no' arguments, so now it's time to move on to the ridiculous!)
jafs 2 years, 7 months ago
If it passes, you shouldn't resent the library - you should resent the majority of people who vote "yes".
But, then again, that's the way our system works.
mr_right_wing 2 years, 7 months ago
It's easier to resent a 'building' than going around giving everybody dirty looks.
On the positive side; at least the library can be avoided....empty bus after empty bus cannot. (Unless you're outside Lawrence.)
oneeye_wilbur 2 years, 7 months ago
It will pass though because Lawrence is saturated with city , county and ku employees all who have no concern about losing their jobs. So, the issue will pass just as the last two ill conceived school bond issues have.
The next thing in the paper, that the Journal World will print is a big list of names supporting a YES vote. The paper will NOT print a big list of the actual costs and how much they translate to over 20 years. Nor will the paper project the actual tax increase on properties over 20 years given a modest increase in valuation each year. NOR will the paper print the actual cost to many businesses in town that own their own real estate or are renters of commercial property.
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