HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009-10-06 Library Commission PacketKENAI LIBRARY COMMISSION
KENAI COUNCIL CHAMBERS
OCTOBER 6, 2009
7:00 P.M.
AGENDA
ITEM 1: CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL
ITEM 2: AGENDA APPROVAL
ITEM 3: APPROVAL OF MEETING SUMMARY September 1, 2009
ITEM 4: PERSONS SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD
ITEM 5: OLD BUSINESS
a. Discussion Library Expansion Project
ITEM 6: NEW BUSINESS
a. Discussion City of Kenai Pandemic Flu Emergency Response Plan
ITEM 7: REPORTS
a. Director
b. City Council Liaison
ITEM 8: COMMISSION COMMENTS /QUESTIONS
ITEM 9: PERSONS NOT SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD
ITEM 10: INFORMATION
ITEM 11:
a. Kenai City Council Action Agendas of September 2 and 16, 2009.
b. Friends of the Library Board Meeting Minutes of September 8, 2009.
c. "Libraries at the Heart of Our Communities" Article Planning
Commissioners Journal
ADJOURNMENT
PLEASE CONTACT US IF YOU WILL NOT BE
ABLE TO ATTEND THE MEETING:
CAROL 283 -8231 OR,
MARY 30 283 -4378
AGENDA
ITEM 1: CALL TO ORDER ROLL CALL
ITEM 2: AGENDA APPROVAL
ITEM 3: APPROVAL OF MEETING SUMMARY August 4, 2009
ITEM 4: PERSONS SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD
ITEM 5: OLD BUSINESS
a. Discussion Library Expansion Project
ITEM 6: NEW BUSINESS
a. Discussion Library Construction and Major Expansion Matching
Grant Program
b. Discussion Peninsula Clarion Back Issues
ITEM 7: REPORTS
a. Director
b. City Council Liaison
ITEM 8: COMMISSION COMMENTS /QUESTIONS
ITEM 9: PERSONS NOT SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD
ITEM 10: INFORMATION
a. Kenai City Council Action Agendas of August 5 and 19, 2009.
b. Alaska Public Library Annual Report
c. Friends of the Library Agenda of September 8, 2009.
ITEM 11: ADJOURNMENT
KENAI LIBRARY COMMISSION
KENAI COUNCIL CHAMBERS
SEPTEMBER 1, 2009
7:00 P.M.
Item3.
KENAI LIBRARY COMMISSION
KENAI COUNCIL CHAMBERS
SEPTEMBER 1, 2009
7:00 P.M.
CHAIR EILEEN BRYSON, PRESIDING
MEETING SUMMARY
ITEM 1: CALL TO ORDER 86 ROLL CALL
Chair Bryson called the meeting to order at approximately 7:05 p.m. Roll was
confirmed as follows:
Commissioners present: K. Heus, M. Graves, C. Brenckle, P. Bryson, R. Peters
Staff /Council Liaison present: Library Director M. Joiner, Council Member M. Boyle
A quorum was present.
ITEM 2: AGENDA APPROVAL
MOTION:
Commissioner Brenckle MOVED to approve the agenda as presented and
Commissioner Peters SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO
ORDERED.
ITEM 3: APPROVAL OF MEETING SUMMARY August 4, 2009
MOTION:
Commissioner Brenckle MOVED to approve the meeting summary of August 4, 2009
and Commissioner Peters SECONDED the motion. There were no objections. SO
ORDERED.
ITEM 4: PERSONS SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD None
ITEM 5: OLD BUSINESS
5 a. Discussion Library Expansion Project
Director Joiner reported Ordinance No. 2398 -2009 was passed by City Council; the
contract to ECI /flyer was approved to continue; and Brian Meissner (ECI /flyer
Representative) would set up a meeting schedule.
ITEM 6: NEW BUSINESS
6 a. Discussion Library Construction and Major Expansion Matching
Grant Program
Joiner reviewed the history of SB119 and the Library Construction and Major
Expansion Matching Grant Program regulations, noting the grant stipulated a 20 year
plan and that fifty percent (50 would be held until completion of the project.
6 b. Discussion Peninsula Clarion Back Issues
Joiner reported the library's collection of the Peninsula Clarion was stored in acid -free
boxes at the Senior Center and needed to be moved and requested the Commission
consider if the Library should continue to keep the originals.
ITEM 7: REPORTS
7 a. Director Joiner noted an increase in circulation; there would be a
birthday party for the library's 60th anniversary on September 26, 2009 from 2:00 -4:00
p.m.; and, the staff expressed concern regarding checking the book drop on their days
off.
7 -b.
ITEM 8:
Peters Reported he would miss the party.
Brenckle Stated she was looking forward to the appointment of a new
commissioner.
Bryson Inquired if the commissioners needed to be city residents and apologized for
missing the August meeting.
Heus Reported she would miss the October meeting.
Graves No comment.
ITEM 9: PERSONS NOT SCHEDULED TO BE HEARD
ITEM 10: INFORMATION
10 a. Kenai City Council Action Agendas of August 5 and 19, 2009.
10 -b. Alaska Public Library Annual Report
10 c. Friends of the Library Agenda of September 8, 2009.
ITEM 11:
MOTION:
City Council Liaison None
COMMISSION COMMENTS /QUESTIONS
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner Brenckle MOVED to adjourn and Commissioner Heus SECONDED the
motion. There were no objections. SO ORDERED.
LIBRARY COMMISSION MEETING
SEPTEMBER 1, 2009
PAGE 2
There being no further business before the Commission, the meeting was adjourned at
approximately 8:12 p.m.
Meeting summary prepared and submitted by:
Corene Hall, Deputy City Clerk
LIBRARY COMMISSION MEETING
SEPTEMBER 1, 2009
PAGE 3
0
t
c0
10
t17
E
F-
0
CO
04 >t
CO 01 CO
V V
CI 0
0 el. N.
0
0
0
0.
LO
CO
N CO CO
cO cr) iv) CO CO
0 CO Ca 0) Ca 07 CC) 0
o o 0 0 0 0 0 r
0 r N N. R: V LO 00 01
0 N CV r r N r
CI CO
o 0 77 r r r N r 0
0 0 r r r r 0
H 0 r 0 0 CD 0 1-
n
H H H I
0) CD CO 0) 0) 0 07 CO
o 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
0 0 N CO CO CO 0,
2323
N r N
0 0 0 r r r
7 C7 27 r
3 3 e
0 0 T 0 0
T X (17
CD
0
0
CO
0
a) a) p
g)
r
E c1.1
z
c
0
0
0 0
E2
o ea
0
0
0
0
.4;
CO CO CU
0
0 0 0
"0
7
00
o o
0
"0 0
DO N
"r7c; r't
CO 0)
'Cr
O to r
ez7
N CI vr a, an
iZ 0 0< ab 4
07
HTh
E
O .z
o
E
0
0
0
00-
0)
0
2
O 30-
0
145a.
E 92-
FEE. 0 0
23 c;
-0
E 0
a5 2 0
0.)
Ic r, 1_
a
0 0
r r.
023 E. 2-
a EET
v Er
,E E
O 2 E
as
0.
0 E
<0 2 0 0
utr. 8 •00
.0. y 05 0 E5E, cam
0 t.
-5 1E E 0
E05 t
2 -.Z.5
E E
E P (4)
ooac)25
0 0 a
cD,
0.
0)
co
0
cC
0
ITEM A: CALL TO ORDER
ACTION AGENDA
KENAI CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 2, 2009
7:00 P.M.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
http:/ /www.ci.kenai.ak.us
Berle 104.
1. Pledge of Allegiance
2. Roll Call
3. Agenda Approval
4. Consent Agenda
*A11 items listed with an asterisk are considered to be routine and non-
controversial by the council and will be approved by one motion. There will be no
separate discussion of these items unless a council member so requests, in which case
the item will be removed from the consent agenda and considered in its normal
sequence on the agenda as part of the General Orders.
ITEM B: SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS (10 minutes)
ITEM C: UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS (3 minutes)
ITEM D: PUBLIC HEARINGS (Testimony limited to 3 minutes per speaker.)
1. APPROVED. Approval (Public Comment to be Taken) Proposition A
Informational Flyer
2. PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Ordinance No. 2428 -2009 Amending KMC
7.25.020 to: 1) Better Define How Budget Transfers in Amounts of Less
Than Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000) are Accomplished; and, 2) Provide
that Budgetary Control for a Capital Project is Done at the Project Level
Rather Than the Object Level; and, 3) that Object Level Budget Transfers
in Capital Projects in Excess of Five Thousand Dollars ($5,000) or More
Shall be Reported to the Kenai City Council on a Monthly Basis.
(Clerk's Note: At the August 19, 2009 council meeting, Ordinance No. 2428 -2009
was postponed to September 2, 2009. The motion to adopt is active.)
3. PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Ordinance No. 2433 -2009 Amending KMC
1.15.040 (Agenda and Packet Development, Preparation, Distribution,
Publication, Late Materials) to Include a Subsection Providing for the
Clerk's Preparation of the Agenda.
4. AMENDED AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Ordinance No. 2434 -2009
Amending KMC14.25 (Landscaping /Site Plan Regulations) by Amending
KMC 14.25.020 (Application) and Enacting a New Section KMC
14.25.025 (Retention Basins) to Provide Landscaping and Site Plan
Requirements for the Development of Retention Basins.
5. FAILED. Ordinance No. 2435 -2009 Amending the Land Use Table in
KMC14.22.010 to Provide that Tattoo Parlors and Massage Therapists
Require a Conditional Use Permit in the Townsite Historic Zone (TSH).
6. Ordinance No. 2440 -2009 Increasing Estimated Revenues and
Appropriations by $9,000.00 in the General Fund Communications
Machinery and Equipment for the Purchase of a Replacement Stancil
Recording Server That Has Failed Unexpectedly.
PASSED UNAMMOUSLY. Motion for Introduction
PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Motion for Second Reading (Requires a
Unanimous Vote)
PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Motion for Adoption
ITEM E: MINUTES
1. APPROVED. *Regular Meeting of August 19, 2009.
ITEM F: UNFINISHED BUSINESS
ITEM G: NEW BUSINESS
1. APPROVED. Ratification of Bills
2. APPROVED. Approval of Purchase Orders Exceeding $15,000
3. INTRODUCED /CONSENT AGENDA. *Ordinance No. 2436 -2009
Increasing Estimated Revenues and Appropriations by $938.08 in the
General Fund for Bureau of Highway Patrol Equipment Expenses.
4. INTRODUCED /CONSENT AGENDA. *Ordinance No. 2437 -2009
Increasing Estimated Revenues and Appropriations by $5,625.00 in the
Congregate Housing Fund, Professional Services for an Increase in the
Caretaker Contract in Excess of Originally Budgeted Amounts.
5. INTRODUCED /CONSENT AGENDA. *Ordinance No. 2438 -2009
Increasing Estimated Revenues and Appropriations by $18,628.00 in the
Congregate Housing Fund, Repair and Maintenance for Installation of
Landscaping Sprinklers Along the Front of the Vintage Pointe Housing
Facility.
6. INTRODUCED /CONSENT AGENDA. *Ordinance No. 2439 -2009
Increasing Estimated Revenues and Appropriations by S7,163.00 for City
Manager Pay and Benefits Increase in Excess of Originally Budgeted
Amounts.
7. APPROVED. Approval Appointment of Election Boards.
ITEM H: COMMISSION /COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Council on Aging
2. Airport Commission
3. Harbor Commission
4. Library Commission
5. Parks Recreation Commission
6. Planning Zoning Commission
7. Miscellaneous Commissions and Committees
a. Beautification Committee
b. Alaska Municipal League Report
c. Mini -Grant Steering Committee
d. Advisory Cemetery Committee
e. Kenai Convention Visitors Bureau
f. Reports of KPB Assembly, Legislators and Councils
ITEM I: REPORT OF THE MAYOR
ITEM J: ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
1. City Manager
2. Attorney
3. City Clerk
ITEM K: DISCUSSION
1. Citizens (five minutes)
2. Council
ITEM L: PENDING LEGISLATION (This item lists legislation which will be
addressed at a later date as noted.)
Ordinance No. 2362 -2008 Amending the Official Kenai Zoning Map by Rezoning
Tract A, Papa Joe's Subdivision, Chumley Replat From Rural Residential 1 (RR1) to
Limited Commercial (LC).
Ordinance No. 2412 -2009 Amending KMC 13.40.040 to Provide for a Speed Limit
of Ten (10) Miles Per Hour While Driving Motorized Vehicles on a Portion of the North
Shore Public Beach Within the City of Kenai. (Clerk's Note: At the June 3, 2009, a
motion to adopt Ordinance No. 2412 -2009 was made and the ordinance was
subsequently postponed, no time certain. The motion to adopt Ordinance No. 2412 -2009
is active.)
EXECUTIVE SESSION None Scheduled
ITEM M: ADJOURNMENT
ITEM A: CALL TO ORDER
ITEM B:
ITEM C:
ITEM D:
ACTION AGENDA
KENAI CITY COUNCIL REGULAR MEETING
SEPTEMBER 16, 2009
7:00 P.M.
KENAI CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS
http: /www.ci.kenai.ak.0 s
1. Pledge of Allegiance
2. Roll Call
3. Agenda Approval
4. Consent Agenda
*All items listed with an asterisk are considered to be routine and non-
controversial by the council and will be approved by one motion. There will be no
separate discussion of these items unless a council member so requests, in which case
the item will be removed from the consent agenda and considered in its normal
sequence on the agenda as part of the General Orders.
SCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS (10 minutes)
UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMENTS (3 minutes)
PUBLIC HEARINGS (Testimony limited to 3 minutes per speaker.)
1. PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Ordinance No. 2436 -2009 Increasing
Estimated Revenues and Appropriations by $938.08 in the General Fund
for Bureau of Highway Patrol Equipment Expenses.
2. PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Ordinance No. 2437 -2009 Increasing
Estimated Revenues and Appropriations by $5,625.00 in the Congregate
Housing Fund, Professional Services for an Increase in the Caretaker
Contract in Excess of Originally Budgeted Amounts.
3. PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Ordinance No. 2438 -2009 Increasing
Estimated Revenues and Appropriations by $18,628.00 in the
Congregate Housing Fund, Repair and Maintenance for Installation of
Landscaping Sprinklers Along the Front of the Vintage Pointe Housing
Facility.
4. AMENDED AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Ordinance No. 2439 -2009
Increasing Estimated Revenues and Appropriations by $7,163.00 for City
Manager Pay and Benefits Increase in Excess of Originally Budgeted
Amounts.
5. PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Resolution No. 2009 -57 Awarding the Bid
to Floor Center, LLC for Kenai Fire Department Flooring Replacement
2009 for the Total Amount of $22,375.00.
6. PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Resolution No. 2009 -58 Confirming the
Assessment Roll on the South Ames Road LID Street Improvement
Special Assessment District.
7. SUBSTITUTED AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Resolution No. 2009-
59 Authorizing the City Manager to Apply to the Department of
Environmental Conservation for a Loan from the Alaska Drinking Water
Fund for Water System Improvements.
8. SUBSTITUTED AND PASSED UNANIMOUSLY. Resolution No. 2009-
60 Authorizing the City Manager to Apply to the Department of
Environmental Conservation for a Loan from the Alaska Clean Water
Fund for the Construction of a Wastewater Treatment Project.
ITEM E: MINUTES
1. APPROVED. *Regular Meeting of September 2, 2009.
ITEM F: UNFINISHED BUSINESS
ITEM G: NEW BUSINESS
1. APPROVED. Ratification of Bills
2. APPROVED. Approval of Purchase Orders Exceeding $15,000
3. INTRODUCED. *Ordinance No. 2441 -2009 Declaring that Lots 12,
13, 14, 15 and 16, Block 3, East Addition, Townsite of Kenai, Kenai,
Alaska, Also Known as 600, 602, 604, 606 and 608 Peninsula Avenue,
Kenai, Alaska, Whose Last Record Owner Under Borough Assessment
Records was the First Baptist Church, 5432 E. Northern Lights
Boulevard, #416, Anchorage, Alaska, Shall be Retained by the City of
Kenai for a Public Purpose.
4. INTRODUCED. *Ordinance No. 2442 -2009 Increasing Estimated
Revenues and Appropriations by $108,656 in the General Fund for
Upgrade of the Dispatch Center and Pass- Through Funds to the Cities of
Soldotna and Homer.
5. INTRODUCED. *Ordinance No. 2443 -2009 Increasing Estimated
Revenues and Appropriations by $2,517.77 in the Airport Fund
Training Facility, Repair and Maintenance for Major Maintenance on the
Facility's Emergency Breathing System Compressor.
6. INTRODUCED. *Ordinance No. 2444 -2009 Increasing Estimated
Revenues and Appropriations by $46,651 in the General Fund for the
Purchase of In -Car Video Cameras and Portable Breath Test Instruments
Made Possible Through an Alaska Highway Safety Office Equipment
Grant.
7. APPROVED Approval Agreement for Services /Vintage Pointe
Caretaker
8. APPROVED. Approval Easement for State Communications
Tower /Homer Electric Association, Inc.
9. APPROVED. Approval City of Kenai Pandemic Flu Emergency
Response Plan
10. SCHEDULED /OCTOBER 5, 2009/6:00 P.M. Discussion Schedule
Board of Adjustment Hearing
ITEM H: COMMISSION /COMMITTEE REPORTS
1. Council on Aging
2. Airport Commission
3. Harbor Commission
4. Library Commission
5. Parks Recreation Commission
6. Planning Zoning Commission
7. Miscellaneous Commissions and Committees
a. Beautification Committee
b. Alaska Municipal League Report
c. Mini -Grant Steering Committee
d. Advisory Cemetery Committee
e. Kenai Convention Visitors Bureau
f. Reports of KPB Assembly, Legislators and Councils
ITEM I: REPORT OF THE MAYOR
ITEM J: ADMINISTRATION REPORTS
1. City Manager
2. Attorney
3. City Clerk
ITEM K: DISCUSSION
1. Citizens (five minutes)
2. Council
ITEM L: PENDING LEGISLATION (This item lists legislation which will be
addressed at a later date as noted.)
Ordinance No. 2362 -2008 Amending the Official Kenai Zoning Map by Rezoning
Tract A, Papa Joe's Subdivision, Chumley Replat From Rural Residential 1 (RR1) to
Limited Commercial (LC).
Ordinance No. 2412 -2009 Amending KMC 13.40.040 to Provide for a Speed Limit
of Ten (10) Miles Per Hour While Driving Motorized Vehicles on a Portion of the North
Shore Public Beach Within the City of Kenai. (Clerk's Note: At the June 3, 2009, a
motion to adopt Ordinance No. 2412 -2009 was made and the ordinance was
subsequently postponed, no time certain. The motion to adopt Ordinance No. 2412 -2009
is active.)
EXECUTIVE SESSION None Scheduled
ITEM M: ADJOURNMENT
Call to Order: 5:45 p.m.
Friends of the Kenai Community Library
Board Meeting Minutes for September 8, 2009
Present: Sal Mattero Barb Christian
Tom Walker Sandra Lewis
Nedra Evenson Craig Jung
Heather Floyd
Julie Niederhauser
In the absence of Paul, Barb took the minutes. Sal chaired the meeting.
Guest: Bob Peters, Library Commission
Item i ob
June minutes: approved.
September Agenda: approved with addition of calendar discussion and reordering of reports to allow
Tim Navarre to speak after the Library Director.
Reports
Library Director (Julie N. for Mary Jo J.)
Highlights of the September 2009 Library Monthly Report
Added information
o The Governor's wife may be at the September 26 birthday celebration to read to the
children. The Friends will pay for the cakes and costumes. Invitations are being
prepared.
o The KVCC has invited us to add our events to their community calendar.
Request: include the unapproved minutes of our meeting in the Library Commission packet.
Action approved. Barb will email the minutes within a day or two.
Fundraising (Tim Navarre)
Contacts with Doyle, Udelhoven and other potential large donors continue.
Board should consider "selling" entryways.
Pledges 510,000 or over will be announced at the raffle dinners.
"Hands" will be precut metal, not a tracing of the donor's hand. Samples may be available in
time for the birthday party.
Treasurer (Sandy)
Building Fund Account: $53,833.00
The Building Fund has received numerous memorials for Emily DeForest and George Navarre.
The names on the Friends credit card need to be changed to reflect the loss of Emily and Susan
Rorrison.
Brendyn Shiflea of the FNBA may join the Friends Board as treasurer. Sal will contact.
Grant Applications and Fundraising Calendars (Barb)
Barb is looking for new grant sources. Suggestions are welcome.
Calendars have arrived. Friends paid $6.50 per calendar and will sell the calendars for 513.00
(rounded up from the printed price of $12.99). The calendars will be available at the counter
and at the 60` birthday party but not at the raffle dinners. Tom will reimburse Barb for the total
purchase plus any shipping.
Website (Heather)
Our accounts for ACS Wireless (voice mail) and NPC Merchant (mail -in credit card payments) are
not cost effective. Heather will look into cancelling them.
Heather will post information about our upcoming events.
Annual Dinner and Raffle (Tom)
Tom moved, Craig seconded that the 2008 gaming receipts (approximately $6800) be used to
pay for the calendars and gift bags, with the remainder being donated to the Building Fund. A
small amount will remain in the account to keep it open. Action approved.
Members received a list of past raffle ticket buyers.
We need 50 grab bags to sell for $20 each at the Saturday dinner. Members will ask local
businesses to donate bags.
if we have an excess of candy bars, they can be added to the bags or given away with the
purchase of a calendar.
Sal will push the raffle dinners, birthday party, and building fund when interviewed by Merrill
Sikorski.
Discussion Items
Fall/Winter Newsletter
Sal will write it based on September meeting notes and suggestions from the Board.
Open Officer Board Positions
Sal would prefer to leave positions open until enthusiastic nominees can be found.
There are three positions open. Brendyn Shiflea and Kim Denesen may fill two of them.
Other
Friends will donate a basket to the annual Chamber of Commerce fundraiser, AK Corral. Sandy
was approved to spend up to $30 creating an attractive basket.
Julie broached the fundraising idea of a pancake breakfast with Santa at Pi's to attract the story
hour crowd. Santa would visit each table and allow children to have a picture taken with him.
People would have an opportunity to give a gift to the Library Building Fund. Julie will talk to
PJ's. Sandy's exchange student may be able to help with the event as a required community
project.
Meeting adjourned: 7:05 PM
Next meeting: October 13, 2009
P L A
Ubar
1
YI_ANNINC MM St(
7t
tf
i t M'
A
pal i
r r �4
The Nine
Circles of
Planning
Commission
Hell
Tie CA 10c.
ER
R
l 4 5
t
—h I
MER 20(
pat tile. Print copies of our Summer
i ssue can be ordered either through
our web site: www.plannersweb.corn
or phoning us at: 802.864.9083.
Check out our web site for a variety
of information resources on
planning and land use related
t opics and follow PCJ Editor
Wayne Senvtlle s travels across
America at: wv✓v✓.CircieTheUSA.corn
Circle the USA
alapti
uawn
Planetizen
Update
Jsprc
;Liza
n
Libraries at the
Heart of Our
Communities
',N um hi
;rst
FROM THE EDITOR CONTENTS
Libraries Bring Value
to Our Communities
Sometimes the key to a vibrant, healthy
community can lie right under our nose,
hidden in plain sight, so to speak.
That's the sense I got after researching
and writing the article about public libraries
that starts on page 12. For too long,
libraries have been under appreciated, often
drawing less interest and attention than a
new sports arena, shopping complex, office
tower, or theater. But the good new is that
this has begun to change, as more commu-
nities are recognizing the value that having
a strong library brings.
Not only do libraries provide valuable
services for residents of all ages, incomes,
and ethnic backgrounds, but they can
also inject a healthy dose of vitality into
downtowns, main streets,, and neighbor-
hood centers.
10 times of economic stress like we're
currently experiencing, libraries provide
especially important services to those trying
to find a job, or residents just looking for a
place to read a book, listen to a CD, or go
online, without racking up a hill.
But the most interesting thing I discov-
ered is that libraries in cities big and small
are becoming dynamic places, actively
seeking to engage the community. Instead
of simply providing a place to read or take
out a book (as important as these services
are), libraries are expanding their mission.
There's one troublesome cloud over this
bright picture. In almost every state (the
most notable exception being Ohio),
libraries receive close to no state financial
assistance. Yet our states lavish support on
many "economic development" projects, of
sometimes questionable value.
Visit your public library, and help it
become the hub of your community
Please feel free to
a copy of our arti-
cle wi th your local
librarian.
Editor
Senville,
PLANNING CO
Learn to Speak So People
Will Listen
by Elaine Cogan
Planning commissioners can be of great ser-
vice in speaking to community groups and
organizations. Some tips to help you become
a more effective speaker.
Are We There Yet?
by Jim Segedy and Lisa Hollingsworth Segeily
Taking 00 the tasks identified in your com-
munity's plan may h a little like riding in the
back seat of a car for a road tip where you
don't krtow the landmarks. That's where
benchmarks and indicators show their value.
Circle the USA
PC[ Editor Wayne ,Senville is Irirting the road
to report on local planning and land use
issues. Three reports from the first leg of his
travels
how the adaptive reuse of an old factory is
key to a Vermont town's future.
wlry a city in upstate New York has elimi-
nated downtown parking requirements.
a look at the connections between college
and community in a small western Pennsyl-
ania city.
Planetizen Update
The Editors of Planetizen highlight six books
of special interest to citizen planners.
Libraries at the Heart of
Our Communities
by Wayne Senville
There's been a dramatic change in the mission
of a growing number of libraries across the
country: No longer just static repositories of
hooks and reference materials, libraries are
increasingly at the heart of our commu nities,
providing a broad range of services and
activities. They are also becoming important
"economic engines" of downtowns and neigh-
borhood districts.
in The Nine Circles of Planning
Commission Hell
by Ric Stephens
Planning commission hearings can sometimes
hear an uncomfortable resemblance to the
descriptions in Daniels epic poem. But there
are ways to escape, explains P07 columnist
Ric Stephens.
1ISSIONERS JOURNAL NUM R i5
A
P L A N N I N G
C O M M 'i 55 1 O N E
Publis
Champlain
P.0. Box 9295, Burlington VT 05406
let: sot -BS 1 083 'Fah :area 62 -fsa
1_ -mail. pcjoftice@agm ail.com
Assistant E
Ric 5tephc
,Boave norx. pr
pla
Ills
-Green
Kelowna, 11.0,
i ngin3r.
raiion Design
tan Ned Corben
:achuseus Per ris}i urgl., Verrnc
Suhscriptio
m, bT 05106
1 r
it rho vlei.
proterec by C)
3 r0 s'cpYOdP(
mrsa tl Editor
eh.com
Ross Mold
tm.N wHnr
Chit», Ca
Barbara 5
S011
r ipct
ISSN 1058-1
nddrsss charges
should be aoughl
aJc
0
ss 2009
on he
Limped to
rite sun
Libraries at the Heart of Our Co unities
sere a place in your community:
ere residents of all ages and incomes
t and enjoy spending their time?
where people go to hear interesting
speakers discuss new ideas, books, trav-
el, and a broad range of topics?
where comprehensive databases are
available free of charge?
where you can get help when applying
for ajob?
where you can stop by and take home a
book, CD, or DVD at virtually no cost?
That's also a place:
that's "owned" by everyone in the com-
munity?
and can he counted on, day after day, to
draw people downtown or to main
street?
In a growing number of cities
and towns, there's one answer to
all. these questions: the public
library.
ANCHORS FOR OUR C lTFEs
TOWNS
Dramatic new or renovated
libraries have become corner-
stones of downtown in dozens of
cities, including Denver, San Anto-
nio, Des Moines, Indianapolis, and
Salt Lake City, to naive a few.
Noted architect and writer
Witold Rybczynski offers an
online slide show tided, "How do
you build a public library in the age of
Google His main point: Libraries are
far from dead in today's Internet age in
fact, they're making a comeback as key
anchors in our downtowns. Indeed,
they're bringing us full circle to the "end
of the 19th century and the beginning of
1 Available online st www.slate- com /id/21.84927/
2 3n an article in the June 2006 Citamtp Business
)cu.nal, "Libraries Anchor Small Communities,"
3 From `Public Buildings Should Set the Standard'
(.PC7 641, Winter 2001 b available to order down-
load at, www. nlannersweb .conr/wtiles /w206.htntl
P L A N N I N G COMMIS
FEATURE
by Wayne.. Scnville
the 20th, when cities such as Boston,
New York, Philadelphia, Detroit, and
Chicago built ambitious public
libraries."
It's important to recognize, however,
that it's not just big cities that benefit
from libraries. In fact, smaller cities and
towns may have even more to gain from
having a thriving library as they don't
have the range of community gathering
places that larger cities often have.
Reporter .Annie Stamper writes that:
"No more just a place to find books,
today's library is a place that extends far
beyond its physical walls with the addi-
tion of digital information and access.
Particularly in small towns, the library is
The central rotunda inside the Hudson, Ohio
often the hub of the community, prov
ing a place for residents to meet, as well
as to lean. "r
Libraries, like city halls and post
offices, are key to strong communities.
Ed McMahon, a senior fellow at the
Urban Land institute, has pointed out
hat "public buildings and spaces create
identity and a sense of place. They give
communities something to remember
and admire. The challenge facing public
architecture is to provide every genera-
tion with structures that lint: them with
"THERE T5
NOT SUCH A
CRADLE: OF
DEMOCRACY
UPON THE
EA Hill AS
THE FREE
PUBLIC
LIBRARY, THIS
REPUB..IC 03
LETTERS, 1 ERS, Vc Hr
OtinCE, NOR W
THE SLIGHTEST
O N E R S J O R N A L N U M 13 E R 75 SUMMER 2009
ST1 LH
10
,w Can
their past, fill them with pride, and rein-
force their sense of belonging.
Keeping libraries in the center of
town, and having them reflect
high standards of design, is a chal-
lenge a growing number of com-
munities are successfully meeting.
Hudsons Star Attraction
I stopped in Hudson, Ohio,
this April as part. of my "Circle
The USA" trip to learn about their
library. Hudson is a small city
(population 22,439), midway
between Cleveland and Akron. It
has elements of both a suburb and
a small town. In the center of
Hudson is its historic Main Street
business district, home to the
city's library
Opened in 2005, the libraryis housed
in a stately brick building, with function-
al but very attractively- designed interior
spaces. The focal point of the library is its
rotunda, proof that the design of libraries
today can match that of the classic
Carnegie library buildings of a century
ago.
New libraries tend to need consider-
ably more space than their earlier coun-
terparts. That's the case in Hudson,
where the new library building (at
50,000 square feet) is much bigger than
the old building (at 17,000 square feet).
At first blush, tl seems counter-
intuitive. Why Internet and
digital age would liLr; ies need to be
larger? Mare import,:ntly, why do they
seem in even greater demrnd?
I asked Assistant Director Margie
Smith what draws people to the Hudson
library. "St's become the cultural, enter-
tainment, and social hub of Hudson,"
she replied. "The library programs a lot
of readtr.... there are musical pc mances e•:. week, and we al.' mve
meeting t s.
The li,br: iso provides over 5.' :ub-
lic computer •.e:minals, access to state
and local Mnabases, and a collection of
more than 7,000 D There's also a
coffee shop to hang out •n, and an out-
door patio. You can morrow laptops
from the library, and ;ham anywhere
in the building or on patio. What's
more, the Hudson lib iary doesn't close
till 9 pm, Monday through Thursday, and
is op. E a total of 69 hours each week,
al. .3 more a
ie Iibra'. y is fur primarily
through a property tax levy (raising 51.4
million), with just over Si. million more
from the State of Ohio. The library also
makes evo'nsive use of volunteers,
including h wizards" who help out in
the con center.
The Hudson have decid-
ed that the library is a key service they
want for community. The numbers
attest to this, as there are more than
23,000 registered library users, who
checked out 736,000 items last ar. The
library counted more than 700,000 visits,
an average of well over 2,0.. w it
was open.
For planners, however, S want to
touch on what may be the mos nterest-
ing aspect of the Hudson ill a-
tion. It is part of an :....:.sion of
hfudt. Main Street district.
•.d, you could say the library is
lan.1 star attraction. As Hudsm!
❑•.:i:r Mark Richardson told m,.
"you just rely on retail m downtown
expansion, you need an activity center
like a library" "The library" Richardson
continued, "fulfills its role as the anchor
by creating opportunities for multi -stop
trips downtown,"
The Main Street extension (call::'
F rst Main) consists of a mix of retail,
offHe, and housing. The City has arch-
•oral c.;sign standards for the area.
Rici...a d -on notes, `the idea was for it to
be natural extension, not a replfcatio:•
of Main Street." The streets are laid out In
a grid, connecting with the old village.
From Richardson's perspective as a
per, having the library downtown is
cost- efk::ive. As he explains, "the
library's lecat.; m downtown has helped
n:.t::. :15 partnerships and c
iab: ation- merebants; the pc
..,ce, are:. paroch::a schools; are.
City ,.t HIM on be. .:••>e they are all
located in close prox n: i tese col-
:rations have alloy,: .1 the library to
stretch its tax dollars and, at the same
rime, more effectively serve the needs of
dsmn."
Economic Benefits of Libraries
As is the case in Hudson, libraries can
bring substantial benefits to downtowns
and main street districts. Planning con-
sultant Robert Gibbs
has observed that "a
typical public 11 ra
draws 500 to 1,5 t
people a clay, G.
close to the draw of
a small department
store." Public build-
ings like library ;,1
notes, "add to the
authenticity of a
town they m.
To ORDER PRINT welt
continued on
OF O'`R 5 "'tM'R 2009 toouu..
Camege's Legacy
'O t to America's Cities
Towns
idfii0 eBuiiding
m
0
it le opping center and more of a
another city that has gained
subs:;•_dal economic benefits from its
new d •vl yawn library, opened in 2004.
J. L nomic assessment prepared for
and that "the Library is associ-
1.6 r Ilion in net new spend
ing n :s first year of operations
equi to $80 million f. a i years," and
that "near'cy businesses r. increases
in spending associated ibra.y visi-
tors.' As a result, "the'. d number
of Library visitors col- Down-
town a.';:'ity and vil -.ncy making
Down -n a more attr.:- 'lye residential
a:rd c.• rei.: market."'
Murphy of the Seattle -based
T rk •..-.ociates, which prepared the
eofocm as sment, told me, "the
ra: aas l an important pa. a
bet.,.. ork 01 S1S in Seattle" 1
part, this is ase of the libr.:
rnatie design..;, location cios.•
town residential neighborhoods ar
city's retail core is also a b.': p:.-
added.
Perhaps more surer..
major draw that Murpl•. poi::
Seattle library's extensive gem ::I
resources, which attract vise
wide area. Indeed, tl.:• more
than 40.000 items in i. ..::,•n. and
three full -time gene.::, reference
librarians to provide as: star
"A Harbor You Can Sall Into"
Those are the words that Stephen
Coronella used to describe the role of the
Putney, Vermont, public library. For
Coronella, who's the librarian in thin
small Vermont tov.: (I7ol::;;.s!
a good library wort: a lo:
provides a place where p;
themselves f'br a while, so;
ers, and feel some comfort and
Wh,•a I met with Cor cud
explair.ed not over the yea
h aa: 1., multi
Ic s. places to re.: air:
b. :rf :.hat'sstill
In. libraries
broader range of sr vi:
research databases, to lo:
htar ..s
y're
out
tion).
.:g a
SS 10
nd
CDs, to providing Intr -net access, to
offering space for lectu;c:> and public
meetings.
The Putney Library attracts one hun-
dred or more people on a daily basis, and
forty or fifty more often show up for
evening programs. You'll find people of
all ages, incomes, and backgrounds using
the Putney library Its seven public access
computers are vc: !:ular, and offer a
FEEL F 1 1 1 11 o D I S I 1: 3 1 1: COP 0 F
va:nahle service in this rural community
nnere :.••idential broadband service is
:d. Internet Access, p. 16.
tib.ny's beautiful new building is
located within walking distance of the
town center (less than half-a -mile away)
and next to a co -op market and senior
housing. The new building was made
possible in part from a generous donor,
but also through extensive fund- raising
in the Putney community.
The importance of libraries like Put-
ney's to village and town cet:: ::r- was
underscored in a public forum I
by the Windham Regional G•u;i:
(the WRC's service area in
Brattleboro, and 25 other small 1 in
southeastern Vermont). As 1• :r
ford, a planner with the WRC, u:. 1..1
"opened up perceptions of i ari
have to offer."
One by- product of the for
formation of a task force to
ommendations for streng er
libraries within the region. L:
force's report, The New F.,
Whig- Center The Role of die !y in
Com :ni.ty Development, irc'u: es a
se ys recommendations centered on
(h:, (s: to achieve universal access to
;eivices; to assure adequate fund
in libraries; and to use libraries to
strengthen village centers.
Susan McMahon, another planner
with the WRC, has beer struck by how
often people have mentic;led the value of
eir libraries "as places,
where you can see •;uro, and
by the import niors, in partic-
ular, place on '1.10 ;r .::a•;.: nearby.
One prohl
PDF D O CUM£7N S
/pl a nsipatr
flu o n/photosiroue1eid/
'ocal libraries in
Purvey library and librarian Stephen Coronelia, belo
lack of state financial support. This puts
th burden on cities and towns to pro-
vide funding from their municipal bud-
get Not, surprisingly, this can be a major
hurdle, especially in communities with
limited resources. j ,„0 What's the state of Your
Library?
While private organizations like the
Freeman Foundation (in Vermont) and
the Gates Foundation (nationwide) have
stepped up to provide financial support,
this is not a long -term solution. Recog-
nizing this, the Windham Regional Com-
mission task force report points out the
importance of educating legislators,
community leaders, and residents about
libraries' funding needs "in the context of
all the positive community and econom-
ic benefits" they bring.
From a national perspective, why
shouldn't libraries be more highly val-
ued? In 2006, the most recent year for
which data is available, there were some
1.4 billion visits to the nation's 9,208
public libraries.'
To put library visits in perspective,
consider that in 2007 the attendance at
4 Quoted by journalist Phil t.angdon in "Public Build-
ings Keep Town Centel s Alive" (P(1J 649, Winter
2003); available to order download at:
www. plannersweb .conr/w(ikes /w144.hunl.
5 The Seattle Public i ibrary Central Library: Economic
Sent (its Assessment (prepared for the City of Seattle
Office 0 Economic Development and The Seattle
Public library Foundation by Berk Associates, July
2005); available at: wwwspLorg /pdfs /SPLCentral_
Library_Lconomic_Impacts.pdf.
6 Public LibrariesSurvey, Fiscal Year 2006 (institute of
Museum Library Services, Dec. 2008), pp. 9 -6,
7 Sports attendance data from The 2009 Statistical
Abstract (U.5. Bureau of the Census), Tables
1204/1205. Unfortunately, the Statistical Abstract
does not include attendance for all sports, but you gee
the picture.
arby food co -op
major league baseball games was 81 mil
lion and NFL football, 22 million adcl
in NCAA men's and women's basketball
(43 million) and football (49 million)
and the total is less than 15 percent the
member of visits to public libraries
Yet libraries may well be the single
most important civic institution in
America today As scholar Varian Grego-
rian has noted. "Across America we are
coming to realize the library's unsur-
passed importance as a civic institution
1n our democratic society, the library
stands for hope, for learning, for
progress, for literacy, for self- improve-
ment and for civic engagement- The
library is a symbol of opportunity, citi-
zenship, equality, freedom of speech and.
freedom of thought, and hence, is a sym-
bol for democracy itsel It is 0 critical
component in the free exchange of infor-
mation, which is at the heart of our
democracy"'
The Hub of Moab
Twenty -two hundred miles west of
Putney, Vermont, is the small city of
Moab, Utah. Their new library, opened in
2006, is just two blocks off Main Street in
the heart of the city's compact down-
town.
Ibis data is available online at late /nces.ed.
gov/pubs2006/2006349 (Table 16).
continued on page 16
Wh at's the State
of Your Libra
Due to the recession and
hard economic times many hbrartes
'have been cutting their hours, and some
have ever been forced to close down,
In researching this article, l came across
countless news reports from across the
country with examples or this
Ironically- it's during an economic
downturn that libraries are in even more
demand. both as a resource for, job seek
er], and as a place where people can bor-
row a book, video, or CD, or spend some
aloe using the computer. Moreover, as
n 11 crud elsewhere i this article,
el-valued for
hey also bring to
ts, and neighbor-
GU
libraries an
the economic hen
downtowns, main soy
hood commercial dis
much suppo
receive from state goveniment? Data
from the 0.5. Deparnm.en.t oc Education's
National Center for Educational Statis-
tics (Public Libr in the United States
(Fiscal Year 2004) shows there's an
exudnely wide variation in state fiscal
support for public libraries- On a per
capita basis, it ranges from 540.06 in
Ohio and 519.51 in Hawaii (die two
highest) to virtually zero in South Dako-
ta and just over I cent. per person in
Vermont (die tu lowest). The national
average is only 53.21,
low figure.'
Once the economy
strength. consider ways ti
state can better support local librar
It can be done. Ohio, for one. provides
substantial financial support to i
libraries, with a dedicated 2.220 of
tax revenue from the states Genera
Revenue Fund going to public libraries.
Perhaps this explains why Ohio has
more public libraries and higher levels
of library use per capita than any other
state.
PLANK tNG COMMISSIONERS J(tt R NAL N Ub1IIER 75 SUMMER 2009
nn
a r
m
telnet
pas v
not j
busin
xt resonrcer te
ivatla hility of chi
nwide _suz c eg conducted 1as
Fluid a Statetim\ 51511' 5
n Institute focused on. the
d libraries Two of the roost
clings 72 .5 percent
ponexl that they are.
jpr uv' 'de 1 ofh e public c
:Inlet net access m their eotnwt
98 9 percent of public libraries
that they offer Internet access.'
over, ae'cording to the Institut
gum c 4 Library Service, in 200
96,0 Internet cmtrpuu
ahlc m Americas public h
5.000 people).'"
Another sign ofthe tit
ancreasc me the numbe of
ing wit eless accc55 an increase
5 4 to 66 percent of libraries in ju
Air ireless accts
o residents, 1)111 to
travelers when the
Internet Access
One of the css ennals of
net access. That_
rural areas, and fo
ds. Puhhc Iibra
Tuhlic Lihrm re, and the b
the rapid
tries of fer
et 2008: Study
2006 t&rsc
•Dee. ?008.
y is hay-
problem
income
cal-
Libraries
continued from page 15
Moab is located in a remote, but spec-
tacularly beautiful, corner of Utah, and is
home to Arches National Park, a thriving
recreational industry; and residents who
love the outdoors But it is also home to
a fine new county library, at 15,000
square feet triple the size of its former
location.
The library itself is a delightful place.
When I stepped inside, it was a beehive
of activity, with people of all ages
ssed in leading and, yes, in using
rnet.
a ct, Internet use has been boom-
ing. When 1 followed up with Library
Director Carrie Valdes this May, she told
me that the number of online sessions
last year exceeded 93,000, up from
75,000 in 2007. The library building is
also wireless. In part, the growth in Inter-
net use owes to the fact that anything
faster than dial -up service is very costly
in Moab. Valdes also believes that the
economic downturn has led to increased
use, especially as more people are look-
ing to access online job search services.
The Grand County library is part of a
small complex of public buildings, mak-
ing it even more convenient for area resi-
dents. Right next door are the municipal
offices, in a recently rehabbed former ele-
mentary school building.
The Library Board saw the need to
purchase the property the library is now
cared on Several y
ago. It wanted to "lock in"
a downtown site for use
e n the time came for
expansion (important
Views of the Grand County
library in Moab, Utah,
N LAND USE ISSUES? VISIT US AT: Pr.ANNERSWEB.COM
since there are few large parcels available
close to downtown). Valdes believes that
keeping the library downtown was criti-
cally important. As she put it, "every
thing that happens in Moab, happens
downtown."
Owing to its welcoming environment,
expanded size (allowing for the addition
of a dedicated children's room), and the
state of the economy, library use has
surged from an annual average of about
90,000 visits before the new building
opened ta 150,000 last year. It has
become, says Valdes, "a true community
center."
LIBRARIES MIX IT UP
"Among private sector developers of
malls, commercial corridors, mixed -use
developments and joint -use facilities,
libraries are gaming recognition for other
qualities their ability to attract tremen-
dous foot traffic, provide long -term ten-
ancy, and complement neighboring retail
and cultural destinations." That's from a
recent report, Malting Cities Stronger:
Public Library Contributions to Local Eco-
nomic Development, prepared by .the
Urban Library Council?'
As the report continues, °Library
buildings are versatile. They fit in a wide
mix of public and private sector deaelop-
ments. Library leaders and private devel-
opers across the country are beginning to
notice distinct advantages to incorporat-
ing public libraries into mixed use, retail
and residential. areas."
You can now find libraries not just in
malls, but as part of residential develop-
ments, and other mixed -use projects.
In the Chicago suburb of Des Plaines,
the new library which opened in
August 2000 is located next to a
stop on one of the MLTRA commuter
rail lines. It is the central element of
S Vartan Gregorian, "Libraries as Acts of Civic
Renewal' (speech given in Kansas Ciry Miswuri, July
4, 2002: available online at: www.carnegie- org/sub/
pubs /gregoriatspeechhtnil.
9 See also my repot from Moab (pat n of my Crossing
America on Route 50 trip) at: www.rte50.conVZ0071
07 /two- moabs.htm;.
10 Prepared by the Urban Library Council (Jan,
2007); currently available at: www,urban.org/
publican ons/1001075.hunt
T Des P'.
photo; rabbi.. di:
shows Ii,rai
121 Inc f lihr.
m4.22..,. J.. ii ___:da_.:..mchtnL
a 6.2 -acre it that also
includes 30,00.' -::rare feet of retail, a
180 -unit condmr :'iron, and a parki:
garage. This mi;- complementary m,,
has created a hub of activity in the heart
of this suburban city of 58,000."
In putting together the project, the
library served as the tram anchor,
"much like a large ret:.:ler would"
explained Ste Frie.:.tan :41 S.B.
Friedman Co. l;tm, `rl 1 special-
izes in advising ...•mmunities on pub-
lic/private partn• •.t ps, worked with the
City of Des Play: es on the redevelop-
ment. Having a high quality library,
Friedman adds, is also an important part
of be g a "full srri community,
somethi. g that suburbs are increasingly
focu- on as l se.• 1 '.o create a high
qua'i res,:. :as.
Another interesting point that Fried-
man r ;es is the inn: nrtance of libraries
in middle- income communities like Des
Plaines. "People can't always afford
Barnes Noble or Borders," he notes,
but many middle income indi•'iduals are
highly educated, "so the lil ra: becomes
a critical public service for :syn."
In St. Paul, Min rota, 31,000
square foot Rondo C nrnu- Outreach
library is on the go 'd of a new
building that includes t gee s of
mixed- income housing, pl a I:. r of
parking immediately above the 1 1'rary
(servin: the ansrtm.err and :der-
1.1i1)
PLANNING COM'v
library
grou
pant s).
The project grew out of a desire by the
City and neighborhood to redevelop
what had been the site of an adult enter
tainment theater a focal point of coin-
munity anger demolished after the City
acquired the property. The idea of a
mixed -use building emerged from a con-
junction of interests: the City's goal of
providing more affordable housing and
the fact that the existing neighborhood
public library had outgrown its
building.`
According to Alice Neve, Supervisor
of the Rondo Area Libraries, having the
library in the same building as the hous-
ing provided some significant economies
of scale, allowing for more space than if
the library had been built as a stand-
alone building. Families living in the
apartments above, Neve notes, are also
(not surprisingl• f u -quent visitors to the
library
iOlt A!.I.. OF
THE ...IMUNITY
Libraries p1 de something increas-
ingly scarce in our cities and towns, what
Brattleboro, Vermont, library director
Jerry Carbone described to me as "neu-
tral public sp..00."
b:: ".piai::zd chat Brattleboro's
Ban': s 11:. 1.:::::.. in the heart of
I' I NAL N U m1BEti 75 St
s •t. tmunityroom
available at no charge to local organiza-
tions three evenings every week. The fact
that it is public space, Carbone notes,
makes it a more comfortable tweeting
place for some than a church basement
or a business office meeting room even
though these private spaces are typically
made available for community meetings
in a spirit of good will
This message was reinforced in a con-
versation I had with David Lankes,
Director of the Information Institute at
Syracuse University As Lankes observed,
Libraries are in a pivotal role because
"there are very few civic organizations
left today" that can provide a 100
accessible to everyone in thr -omen::.::: T:
But for Lankes, the role of
library goes beyond providi r.:
ty space. Libraries, he is is
b e actively seek:.:,, n::
and enhancing" .:.r.
interested in.
To cite one examp':. Ian -:s the
how in several cities, librarians have
developed training sessions open to all
covering the h::si. s of setting up a new
business, and pt: "togetherabusiness
plan. Alo :me lines, some
libraries are 1: :•p .th local com-
munity des••7op :.'ti les to provide
job counselinf..'.'nters. This level of
confxuue i on prise 1&
N[LR 2009
Libraries
continued from page 17
engagement goes well beyond the "tradi-
tional" role of just providing books about
how to set tip a business or find a job."
Another valuable role that libraries
play is in integrating immigrants and
other newcomers into our communities.
As national columnist Neil Peirce
reports: "In immigrant -heavy suburbs of
Washington, D.C., many public libraries
have recast themselves as welcome cen-
ters. Some checkout desks have signs in
Korean, Chinese, Spanish and Viet-
namese. A recent immigrant from the
Dominican Republic said: `I come to the
library almost every day. And two days a
week I follow the conversation classes.
We have the opportunity not only to
improve our English but to get new
friends from all over the world.' "14
At the other end of the country, Seat-
tle's Kent Kammerer points out that
"Seniors now flood the libraries for many
reasons including taking computer class-
es and attending special programs. Young
people find willing, friendly help at the
library and yes, though, the library
wasn't designed to he a hygiene center or
daytime shelter, some homeless people
find the library the most welcoming
place to spend their days.
There's been a "sea change" in the
past five to ten years in the role libraries
are playing in communities, says Sari
Feldman, Director of the Cuyahoga
County, Ohio, Library, which operates 28
branches in Cleveland's suburbs. Feld-
man, who is also President -elect of the
Public Library Association, told me that
"libraries have become vibrant centers of
community interaction," with librarians
working more closely with community
groups and businesses. In Cuyahoga
County, notes Feldman, "the library does
extensive focus groups, polling, and mar-
ket research" to better learn what the
community wants.
ANN COM
Chicaga's Northtown Library is at the heart
of a ethnically diverse neighborhood, and is
located just a block from the neighborhoods
retail district.
SSIONERS JOURNAL./ NU
in the Neighborhood
While this article has focused on.
the positive impact that libraries
can have on downtowns, let's not forget the
.'.:powerful benefits that libraries can bring to
neighborhoods. Take a look at an excellent
short report prepared by the Urban Library
Council, The Engaged Library: Chicago Stoics
of Community Building.* It tells of the impor-
tance Chicago has placed on strengthening
neighborhood libraries:
"Libraries are uniquely positioned to con-
tribute to the local economy. They are local
employers. More often than not libraries
bring foot traffic to the neighborhood com
1ercial district.... The Chicago Public
Library has built 40 new branch buildings in the last 11 years. Many of these buildings have
gone into areas previously avoided Often,
CPL has used its capital investments to buy
sites that have been neighborhood eyesores.
Liquor stores or abandoned buildings are torn
down to be replaced with public libraries,
changing the streetscape completely. For this
strategy to be successful, library administra-
tion and planners have to tap into community
knowledge and listen to community requests."
Engaged Library is available through the ULC
web site www.urbanlibraries.org
Libraries have been especially proving
their worth during the current recession.
As Feldman explains, "we're clearly the
place where people are coming for job
information, for preparing online job
applications, and for basic financial liter-
acy and we provide them support in
doing this."
SUMMING UP:
The 21st century library has arrived.
Its mission goes far beyond loaning out
books and providing reference materials.
In fact, in a growing number of cities and
towns, the library has become the hub of
the community, drawing large numbers
of new users. This is happening because
libraries are providing programs, meet-
ing space, computer access, and re-
sources that are responding to a broader
array of community needs.
Moreover, when libraries are located
in downtown, village, or neighborhood
centers, there's also a special synergy at
work. Libraries gen.erate increased busi-
ness for local merchants, while those
shopping or working downtown visit the
library as part of their day
Libraries and community. They're
really inseparable.
Wayne Senville is Editor of
the Planning Commission-
ers Journal. His previous
articles and reports for the
PCJ. include "Downtown
Futures" (PCJ #69, Winter
2008); "Crossing Ameri-
ca" (PCJ #68, Fall 2007);
"Bright Ideas" (PC] #61,
Winter 2006); and "Preservation Takes Center
Stage" (PC] #52, Fall 2003).
B E R 7 5 SUMMER 2009
13 To learn about other creative ways in which
libraries can engage with their community, see the
Project for Public Spaces' "Libraries That Matter," at:
www.pps.orglinfo/ newsletter /apd12007/libraries_that
_matter and Making Cities Stranger: Public Library
Contributions to Local Economic Development (cited in
footnote 10).
14 "Libraries and New Americans: The Indispensable
Link" (April 13, 2008, for The Washington Post Wrie
ers Group); available at: www.postwritersgroup.cotn/
archives/peir080413.htm.
15 Kent Kammerer, "A new librarian faces tough eco-
nomic times," on Crosscut.com (May 19, 2009);
http: /crosscut. com /2009 /05 /19 /seattle -city-
halll19003/
Poa3ou
Stormr:ater Management Resources
r,s{eo oIau,n9
Wcrts.
a" Btoes/Web
Sites Worth a
Visit
F.rOdthh Nn'e
Ane! 0 C41.
ue T _Jtr G:ib
Gwa"
Me«
27:sn Fyyl cN.}4hx
sal *sc,
er°r,sliie
Free or
nthiicc d ons.
!FCC ilt1
se1F S f
iel
TIMT