Minneapolis citizens have been talking for years about how much we need a new
central library. We don't need more focus groups and discussions on siting.
We need funding.
I'm supporting the referendum. Good libraries are an important symbol of
what we value as a city.
Janet Gendler
Linden Hills
Attached below is a response from the Minneapolis Public Library director
regarding my comments on board leadership last week.
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I read the information posted by you from Wizard Marks and was concerned
that the careful consideration that the Library Board has taken in
developing plans for a new Central Library and branch improvements is not
fully understood. Please feel free to post this if you wish. Also feel
free to give me a call to answer any specific questions you may have
regarding the proposed new Central Library and community library
improvements. My number is 630-6202.
The Minneapolis Public Library Board is committed to improving libraries for
Minneapolis residents. The library that Wizard Marks primarily uses is
Hosmer Library. The historic renovation and expansion of that facility is
wonderful and has made a Huge difference for the neighborhoods it serves.
In turn, the in the Hosmer area have been highly supportive of the library,
and we continue to work collaboratively with them.
The renovated Hosmer Library is an example of what other communities need
and deserve as well. For example, the Franklin Library is a true community
anchor and gathering place but is overcrowded and requires historic
restoration. Franklin Library has a room full of Somali students after
school everyday getting help with homework, and the library also provides
other services in addition to basic library services such as ESL instruction
and computer instruction.
Minneapolis Public Library still has 4 branch libraries that are not
accessible. This is unacceptable, and the Library Board has plans to
correct this if the referendum is passed.
The vision for the Central Library is not the Library Board's alone. It is
a vision that evolved from focus groups, community surveys, and a vision
sharing session with stakeholders from many disciplines. The City Council,
Mayor and Library Board have partnered and worked through an Implementation
Committee (comprised of business representatives and citizens as well as
policymakers) to put structure around the shared vision through development
of library space requirements, site selection, and development of a funding
strategy. The Library Board entered this partnership with knowledge of
libraries, library user needs and concerns, and the Minneapolis community.
They have been educated and have made site visits to other new Central
Libraries around the United States. As you may know, over 15 major cities
have replaced/renovated their Central Libraries or are in the planning
stages to do so.
The new Central Library vision will come to reality through architectural
and interior design and through improved library service. When the
referendum passes and funds are available, architects will make the vision
concrete.
What is that vision for a Central Library? - To have a well-functioning,
smarter library. A library that will be technologically and functionally
flexible and able to meet the changes of the future (unlike the current
facility). A library that will excite the mind and enrich the quality of
life in Minneapolis. It will have a renewed focus on youth and families -
youth spaces 3X larger than today with a children's folklore center, a
computer "cafe" and a storytelling pavilion. It will be connected to a
state of the art Planetarium (funded by sources other than the referendum)
with interactive seats (so you feel that you're in space) with star shows
that educate our youth and others about the wonders of the universe. It
will have an exhibit area to showcase and make more accessible the Library's
"Special Collections" such as the Huttner Anti-Slavery Collection, comprised
of original and rare documents, papers and books. It will have 200% more
public service space, at least double the computers, and have the majority
of the collection on open shelves (now only 15% is on open shelves with most
of the rest in crowded basement stack areas). It will be accessible and
designed to serve those with disabilities well. It will be an oasis for
quiet and contemplation in a busy downtown and a place for people and ideas
to come together. It will be designed so that the public can take civic
pride in their library. It will have public art that reflects the
MInneapolis community. It will - as libraries do - belong to the people
and serve them well.
The Library Board has done the right thing in creating its vision for a new
Central Library because they have listened to what people want. They did
that when they renovated Hosmer. They will do that as they continue to
improve libraries. The public has said - we want our new libraries to be
everything they have always been and more. That's what a new Central
Library will be.
Mary Lawson
LIbrary Director
