Wednesday, October 9, 1996

New library recommendations to be issued by January

By ANTHONY WILSON
Staff Writer

The citizens library review panel expects to issue detailed recommendations, including size, costs and programs, for a new library by January.

Living up to chairman Ed Patton's vow to jar stalled library recommendations from "dead center," the 12-member committee agreed on the tentative timeline at its first meeting Tuesday.
The group also decided to hire a consultant to help determine what Abilenians want in their public library, to quantify those needs and to offer options.

The panel is the latest in what Patton called the "continuing saga" of the library. It is picking up where a defunct library task force's work stopped eight months ago when it recommended establishing a new main library, some branches and other "satellite locations" - such as a storefront branch.

Since then, the recommendations have gathered dust as Mayor Gary McCaleb waited for a City Council election and the Expo Center bond issue to pass, a wait that has made some citizens antsy.
"It's time to start making decisions and get this show on the road," panel member Robert Gillette said.

The group will consider concrete options to implementing the task force's recommendations. In issuing the group's charge, McCaleb asked it to consider four points:

--Needs and service - The panel is to determine the learning needs of the citizenry and translate those needs into services.

McCaleb said the library should drive community learning.

"Learning is what goes on before, after and around education," he said. "It's a lifelong process. Every community's future will depend on a climate that values people's ability to think well. Cities that do that will be leading communities."

-- Accessibility and usability - Citizens should believe the library is accessible to them and can readily give them the information they want.

-- Space and technology - The panel will consider how big the library should be and how technology figures into the mix.

-- Cost and value - The mayor warned the group to look at the bottom line and consider the economic efficiency and future value of the library to the city.

"This is not just a nice thing to have," McCaleb said. "A library has real and long-term benefits that impact the future of the community.

"I can't wait to hear your results," he added.

The panel may hire its consultant next week. While determining citizens' wishes for their library, the consultant will host focus groups and town hall meetings.

Along with studying options for a new main facility, some panel members suggested pushing for a storefront branch that could open quicker, increase library usage and raise support for a probable bond for replacing the cramped, 37-year-old downtown library.

"I can foresee all types of combos," Patton said. "Our imaginations are our limit."