Friendly correction here: the library folks have a contingency list of Central Library items that could be delayed **IF** fundraising runs short.right now, they are short of a November goal, but such a gap is possible, not certain. So I would amend the Minneapolis Observer's item to read:
FUNDRAISING FOR NEW LIBRARY FALLING SHORT A fundraising shortfall could force the new downtown library to open without several of its planned features, reports Sarah McKenzie in the Skyway News (http://www.skywaynews.net). Library officials say the project is about $4.3 million short of its fundraising goal, which **MAY** will delay the completion of certain features in the children's library, the Athenaeum and special collections, Teen Central, and a fourth-floor staff area. The shortfall **MIGHT** will also delay completion of four fireplaces and prevent the purchase of about $680,000 in public art. City taxpayers are footing $125 million of the library's construction costs, but the project requires another $15 million in private funds, of which only $3.7 million has been raised. "It's certainly a challenge," said Colin Hamilton of the fundraising efforts, "but it's possible." The effort has been hindered by a sluggish economy and by a glut of other fundraising projects this year, including the new Guthrie Theater and the Walker Art Center expansion. There also has been some confusion about the new library's future after talk of delaying or abandoning the project emerged last winter. [Brauer again] We are not above our own errors. In the original Skyway piece, we referred to the Central Library Implementation Committee voting on a list of possible cuts/delays. They actually discussed the list, which has been compiled and updated for the past several months, but no vote was taken. There are other wrinkles. Even if fundraising falls short, items could be leased instead of purchased (though that might raise operating costs down the road. Anyway, the full story can be found at: http://makeashorterlink.com/?S53A52A06 The fundraising shortfall was accurate as of mid-September. If anyone from the library system has an updated figure, could they let the list know? David Brauer Editor, Skyway News and Southwest Journal Kingfield REMINDERS: 1. Think a member has violated the rules? Email the list manager at [EMAIL PROTECTED] before continuing it on the list. 2. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. ________________________________ Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Un-subscribe, etc. at: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
