RE: [Mpls] Library scenarios
Michael Atherton's comment about library usage patterns, customer demand levels, in our community libraries is on target. I hope the Library Board considers the relative degrees of neighborhood utilization of their community libraries, as well as the physical condition of buildings, estimated operation/maintenance costs, and the capital costs required for future renovation as they make their decisions on closures and operations. The public meetings have been held and the Library Board's Finance Committee will make a recommendation on a proposed budget at the July 9th Board meeting. Of the packaged options presented to the public by the Library Board, I lean toward Option C, with modification: FACILITIES- 1. I agree with the closure of Roosevelt, Southeast and Webber Park. None are handicapped accessible, which greatly restricts renovation work possible given the tight budgets. If a new Roosevelt library is still being considered, I suggest the mixed-use option be scraped in favor of an addition to the Roosevelt HS library-- MPL should work with the MPS to combine the school library with a community library addition-- merge the school and public library and offer exceptional service hours to the community. Secure the school in off-hours, and let the community have access to the combined library facility evenings and weekends. I know it's outside the box and presents problems, but can't they be dealt with? 2. I'd also make plans to close the Walker branch within the next couple of years. MPL should work with MCDA/CPED to upgrade the entire corner that currently houses the library. A six-eight, maybe ten story, mixed-use facility with limited underground parking could offer market-rate and subsidized housing, office/retail, and new library space adjacent to the bus transfer station and the Greenway (with possible future rail options in the trench), all in the heart of Uptown. I assume the MPL owns the site and air-rights above-- making the parcel a vastly under-used and under-valued asset. New library service options could be used to reduce space requirements-- relying more on e-based services, custom retrieval-delivery, and minimal on-site collection storage requirements. This would also eliminate the need for seemingly regular repair to the currently ill-designed and leaky building, while greatly increasing the tax base on that valuable piece of real estate; and the MPL could enjoy a capital gain via the development potential, I think. The city tax folks would have to work out the details, but I'm sure it would be a win-win for all involved, including the neighborhood. Combining the realized appreciation from a revitalized Uptown corner with some of the referendum renovation funds available from Webber Park and Southeast should enhance the MPL capital and operating budgets, at least in the short term; thus, enabling the Roosevelt addition and possibly extending operating hours at other community libraries. SERVICES-- 1. The Franklin Learning Center, Phillips Computer Center and Hosmer Tech Center are good programs that would be continued under Option C. In general, I think bilingual outreach and homework helper programs should be provided by MPS via Community Education and other school programming-- for adults and school-age kids (a few neighborhoods may be the exception?). Some Community Ed programs already offer homework helper and language literacy programs, along with computer labs. I think summer reading and early literacy programs are appropriate for the libraries; they attract families, young and not-so-young readers, and provide summer options for kids. I don't know enough about teen initiatives to comment, but the idea should be to avoid duplication of services, while strengthening offerings. Lastly, I think MPL should be in serious discussion with Hennepin County and MPS as to how they can work together to improve service delivery/customer service while reducing costs for taxpayers. And, I still think BOTH a Library Foundation AND a Friends of MPL can be used to improve library facilities, collections and services-- just define separate and proper roles for each. [ further info. at: http://www.mplib.org/budget_030613.asp ] Michael Hohmann Linden Hills -- where the neighbors allocated $124,400 of NRP funds, combined with $1.6 million of MPL funds-- a total of over $1.7 million, and spent a year renovating our historically designated library to better meet the needs of the neighborhood. It is a small, yet beautiful library, come visit sometime. > -Original Message- > From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Behalf Of > Michael Atherton > Sent: Saturday, June 28, 2003 11:03 PM > To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] > Subject: RE: [Mpls] Library scenarios > > > David Brauer wrote: > > > The board is presenting three scenarios. I'd appreciate it if > > list members could pick one -
RE: [Mpls] Library scenarios
Does anyone else on this list think that the Library Board's choose one scenario provides the perfect excuse for blaming the public, or at least those who choose to respond, for whatever results from their less then adequate management of resources? Roberta Englund, Folwell Neighborhood -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of WizardMarks Sent: Sunday, June 29, 2003 3:04 PM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Cc: David Brauer Subject: Re: [Mpls] Library scenarios David Brauer wrote: >The city has asked the public for its view on a very specific question: how to close a $4.5 million budget gap for the libraries in 2004. The board is presenting three scenarios. I'd appreciate it if list members could pick one - use the letter if you can - and explain why. > WM: I choose none of the above. Libraries are about people, not about materials. The duty of the library is to provide people with materials to meet their informational needs as well as providing for 'life long learning.' With the budget cuts the question becomes what kind of scenario meets the more pressing needs? Is it more important to the city that people around Washburn Library have access to stock quotes or is it more important that immigrants learn to read in English? Is it more important that there are enough murder mysteries (my personal opinion being that there are never enough good murder mysteries) or is it more important that people in poorer neighborhoods have access to homework helper and bridging the digital divide? Is it more important to keep service where fewer people have reliable cars and more use the bus or where people have two and three cars, all reliable? Too, the notion of "stick to traditional services and just books" doesn't cover the needs of the population. Part of what the library has to do is enlarge its patron base. Videos, CDs, internet access, and homework helpers all bring in new patrons. The state of MN has been very stingy to all its libraries for a very long time and it's way past time that the legislature be brought into the modern age and put more resources into its population's informational needs. Ergo, I would keep open those branches which are on the bus line or are where the immigrants are. However, could we go back six months or so, I'd find a small, cheap home for business and gov. doc.s downtown and close the downtown library till 2006, rather than moving it to the federal reserve bldg. Then I'd keep all the branches open because that's where the library does the most business. WizardMarks, Central > > >Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy >Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] >Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls > TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. 2. If you don't like what's being discussed here, don't complain - change the subject (Mpls-specific, of course.) Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. 2. If you don't like what's being discussed here, don't complain - change the subject (Mpls-specific, of course.) Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Library scenarios: I vote for Plan D
So far, Wizard Marks has the best proposal regarding Library scenarios. I didn't respond to David's call earlier because none of the 3 plans appealed to me. I really like the idea of keeping all the branch libraries open, with the possible exception of the Walker due to all the expenses incurred from on-going physical plant problems. Before the budget catastrophes there was talk that the Walker might move back to its old location across the street. But lately I've heard the previous sight is going to house some shops, along with another tiresome upscale restaurant. Personally, I think moving the Walker branch to the Old Suburban World would be funky and cutting edge. (Does anyone know what's going to happen to that theatre, anyway? I heard Old Navy wants to set up shop there, which, needless to say, would be awful.) Another idea of Wizard's that I liked was cutting expenses by not having a Central Library until the new one is built. However, I agree with Jim Mork that the glass cathedral design was ludicrous at best . Too bad we can't abandon the plan and have the Central Library in the old Sears building as other list members previously suggested. Like WM, I feel that libraries are one of our most important collective and cultual resources, and it's time that we put up a greater fight for them, though there is also merit in Jim Mork's observation that libraries shouldn't be duplicating the services of public schools (another underfunded institution, unfortunately). So I vote for Plan D. Thanks for the good input on this issue, Ms. Marks.Peter Schmitz CARAG TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. 2. If you don't like what's being discussed here, don't complain - change the subject (Mpls-specific, of course.) Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Library scenarios
David Brauer wrote: The city has asked the public for its view on a very specific question: how to close a $4.5 million budget gap for the libraries in 2004. The board is presenting three scenarios. I'd appreciate it if list members could pick one - use the letter if you can - and explain why. WM: I choose none of the above. Libraries are about people, not about materials. The duty of the library is to provide people with materials to meet their informational needs as well as providing for 'life long learning.' With the budget cuts the question becomes what kind of scenario meets the more pressing needs? Is it more important to the city that people around Washburn Library have access to stock quotes or is it more important that immigrants learn to read in English? Is it more important that there are enough murder mysteries (my personal opinion being that there are never enough good murder mysteries) or is it more important that people in poorer neighborhoods have access to homework helper and bridging the digital divide? Is it more important to keep service where fewer people have reliable cars and more use the bus or where people have two and three cars, all reliable? Too, the notion of "stick to traditional services and just books" doesn't cover the needs of the population. Part of what the library has to do is enlarge its patron base. Videos, CDs, internet access, and homework helpers all bring in new patrons. The state of MN has been very stingy to all its libraries for a very long time and it's way past time that the legislature be brought into the modern age and put more resources into its population's informational needs. Ergo, I would keep open those branches which are on the bus line or are where the immigrants are. However, could we go back six months or so, I'd find a small, cheap home for business and gov. doc.s downtown and close the downtown library till 2006, rather than moving it to the federal reserve bldg. Then I'd keep all the branches open because that's where the library does the most business. WizardMarks, Central Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. 2. If you don't like what's being discussed here, don't complain - change the subject (Mpls-specific, of course.) Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
RE: [Mpls] Library scenarios
David Brauer wrote: > The board is presenting three scenarios. I'd appreciate it if > list members could pick one - use the letter if you can - > and explain why. How can anyone wisely choose between these options without knowing what the usage patterns are like? Without this information the most you can do is to make an idiosyncratic or ideological decision, neither of which is likely to result in an effective allocation of recourses. Michael Atherton Prospect Park TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. 2. If you don't like what's being discussed here, don't complain - change the subject (Mpls-specific, of course.) Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Library scenarios
I'm definitely in favor of scenario A. The Library Board long ago went beyond its mandate of providing free books to the city residents. (I have similar thoughts about the Park Board, but that's another posting). Offering such things as homework help and literacy initiatives is the job for the city government or the schools, not the library. The library should have an adequate supply of books in the various languages spoken in the city, and signs, posters and ads should be in multiple languages, but it isn't the library's job to get people to read, just to provide the books. The library should spend its money on obtaining books the city residents want to read, and making these books available to residents with the most libraries and longest hours possible. And maybe even staying open all weekend when most residents are free, in exchange for shutting down on a couple of weekdays? The only piece of scenario A that I disapprove of is minimal building maintenance. I don't think letting our buildings go to Hell is a true money saving option. Mark Anderson Bancroft - Original Message - From: "David Brauer" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> To: <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Sent: Wednesday, June 25, 2003 10:43 AM Subject: [Mpls] Library scenarios While it's compelling to debate big boxes and graffiti, the city has asked the public for its view on a very specific question: how to close a $4.5 million budget gap for the libraries in 2004. The board is presenting three scenarios. I'd appreciate it if list members could pick one - use the letter if you can - and explain why. Here's the SW Journal's summation of the options: ? Scenario A keeps all community libraries open, but cuts reference services, technology support, collection development and building maintenance to a minimum. Funding for bilingual outreach, homework help, summer reading, teen and early literacy initiatives would be eliminated. Community libraries would be open four days a week for a total of 28 hours. The Central Library would open a total of 48 hours. ? Scenario B reduces the city¹s community libraries from 14 to nine, with Walker, 2880 Hennepin Ave. S., or Linden Hills, 2900 W. 43rd St., among the targets. The Central Library would be open 35 hours a week with adequate staff and the nine community libraries would be open 37.5 hours a week with adequate staffing. Funding for bilingual outreach, homework help, summer reading, teen and early literacy initiatives is maintained. Webber Park, Northeast, Southeast and Roosevelt libraries would also be closed. ? Scenario C keeps the Central Library would open 44 hours a week with adequate staff. Community libraries are open between 22 to 48 hours a week on different days with varying staffing levels. No Southwest libraries are closed, though Roosevelt, Southeast and Webber Park would be. Funding for bilingual outreach, homework help, summer reading, teen and early literacy initiatives is maintained. In each scenario the administrative budget is cut between $200,000 and $250,000; five positions are cut, wages are frozen and travel eliminated. Thanks, David Brauer King Field Editor, SW Journal TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. 2. If you don't like what's being discussed here, don't complain - change the subject (Mpls-specific, of course.) Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. 2. If you don't like what's being discussed here, don't complain - change the subject (Mpls-specific, of course.) Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Library scenarios
Scenario A: May look the least appealing because no one wants to cut services, but Scenario A is a viable possibility so all branch libraries would be guaranteed to remain. As Council Member Johnson pointed out at a recent neighborhood Library Board meeting, if the Library board would chose to move ahead with their community planned and already budgeted renovations, like the Webber Library location, the renovations would in effect be similar to closures. The renovated library locations would be closed for a year or more, would reduce the operating budget of the library, and help guarantee no libraries were permanently closed. Scenario A: can be a win-win-win scenario for the communities, libraries, and the city. Amy Luesebrink LBNA/SCNA staff
Re: [Mpls] Library scenarios
I thnk I like scenario #3 , it best keeps the services intact and dispersed. It mostly imposes a scheduling burden on patrons. That would seem the lesser burden to bear compared to the other options. As long as there is no likelihood of any of the three closed buildings being sold (permanently closed) I'd opt for number three. I admit to being only a recreational user of the library, I don't use it for research much, so this certainly isn't a comprehensive opinion. I think keeping the outreach programs going is of the utmost importance. Jon Gorder Loring Park TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. 2. If you don't like what's being discussed here, don't complain - change the subject (Mpls-specific, of course.) Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Library scenarios -- A Finger on the Scales (skins?)
In a message dated 6/13/03 9:35:29 AM Pacific Daylight Time, [EMAIL PROTECTED] writes: > > For decision making purposes, there needs to be an honest statement by the > Library Board/City as to whether on not one factor in the decision on the > Walker Library for official purposes is that the Walker site would be sold > and converted to shops/apartments. If it is correct that the sale and > conversion is intended, then the public input needs to include specific > input on what Uptown needs more: a neighborhood library or more > shops/apartments. > Let the developer build on top of the existing "basement" space (library). He gets the "air-rights" and pays for them, in perpetuity. New residents of the building, and shoppers, can have the library as a bonus destination. The library budget gains the income stream. It could be more attractive then the current, leaky, bomb shelter. The only losers would be the skateboarders, and graffiti artists. I do sympathize; around 1989, on a warm summer evening I played my conga drum outside there. Baba-Lu. My stage name: Bongo Dave. Now, as I am a "little older" , friends call me Bongo Davey Boy. Keith, Bongo Dave, Reitman NearNorth TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. 2. If you don't like what's being discussed here, don't complain - change the subject (Mpls-specific, of course.) Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls
Re: [Mpls] Library scenarios -- A Finger on the Scales?
Steve Cross wrote: All: The question of which scenarios the List Members would pick, among the various choices on the closing of neighborhood libraries or reduction in services, poses a valid question. But, there may be a finger on the scales as far as the official decision is concerned. WM: Here's some info that might help you think about the library: Circulation of materials in 2002: Downtown 815,724Community Ls: 2,182,665 Patron visits in 2002: Downtown 609,667Community Ls; 2,224,396 Visits by school classes: DT: 220 att.4,543CLs: 577 att. 10,973 Programs in 2002: Downtown 187 with 6,146 attendeesCommunity Ls: 7,092 with 54,043 att. Most used community and district libraries: Washburn, Walker, Hosmer, North Regional and maybe East Lake. I'd like to be able to report staffing (floor staff only) but I cannot. However, my impression is that Washburn must have about a dozen, most FT staff, Walker maybe one less, Hosmer 4 FT and downtown, maybe 100. One official option includes the closing of Walker Library in Uptown. Walker is one of the more heavily-used of the neighborhood libraries. WM: The question with Walker, as I understand it, is being viewed from the perspective that moving Walker out of the 3-block radius of Lake and Hennepin will save a huge amount. The other issue is that just across the street at the Old Walker is---the Old Walker library is an historical objet d'art at this point. It can be sold, maybe, but the parameters of the buyer have narrowed with historical designation. However, fixing the Walker parking lot will cost a bucket. Is it worth the cost? It cannot expand without parking by law. Same for the Old Walker. Is the trade-off one of getting off the bus line, where it is most useful? How do you weigh that figure? ... the question is whether Uptown NEEDS more: one good and well-used library or more shops/apartments. (And one factor to consider in that is that the second floor of Calhoun Square is largely vacant now.) WM: The usage alone tells you that the Walker needs to be there. The bigger question is how should it be there and should if be exactly there. To be clear, I'm not saying that converting Walker to shops/apartments is an illegal, immoral, or fattening choice. I am saying that the public input needs to have the same information that is available to those who are making the official decision. WM: You can always make a good case for keeping Walker. However, it's not strategic to think of it in isolation since a solid case can be made for each neighborhood library, including tiny Weber Park and Roosevelt. To also be clear, I think that closing any library is a bum decision. WM: Agreed, but we are firmly impaled on the horns of a dilemma here. However, I do think one of the horns includes, on my part, a rejection of all three scenarios because none looks strategically viable--or maybe strategically smart, rather than viable. Couple that with a new director who should not be asked to make this decision before the end of her first year at the library. Unfortunately, the deadline is July 30th, I think. She has to have made the decision by then. Please go to the meetings the library is holding, be prepared with a strategy if you have strategic skills and come prepared to be helpful so that criticism is tempered with care. There is not one person in the library system who is disinterested in this outcome, even those who know they will be laid off, those who may be laid off, and those who should be laid off. Services are going to be cut, one way or another and it's heart breaking and has to be done in fewer than six weeks. However, the city only has a choice between which bum decisions it is going to implement. WM: Then the question becomes one of choosing how to maximize your strength and minimize your losses. And everyone in Minnesota should remember having to close libraries and/or cut library services when the Pawlenty administration comes around asking for re-election and crowing about coming through with its "no new taxes" pledge. WM: I want more than just a memory for voting purposes. Libraries have been undefended by states, cities, municipalities, etc. for too many years in this state. How many of you will be willing to go the legislature on a regular basis until you can educate them enough so that their commitment becomes more than a formal, "Of course we always fund libraries, fo-fo-fo, harumpf, harumpf" If we wanna be a brain power state, then we have to feed the little gray cells on a regular basis. WizardMarks, Central Minneapolis Issues Forum - A City-focused Civic Discussion - Mn E-Democracy Post messages to: mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Subscribe, Unsubscribe, Digest, and more: http://e-democracy.org/mpls TEMPORARY REMINDER: 1. Don't feed the troll! Ignore obvious flame-bait. 2. If you don't like what's being discussed here, don't complain - change the subje
