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TMCNet: EDITORIAL: Library lesson: How to fund what needs to be done?: Our opinion

[October 15, 2008]

EDITORIAL: Library lesson: How to fund what needs to be done?: Our opinion

(Ottumwa Courier (Ottumwa, IA) Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) Oct. 15--So many books and so little time to read. All of us who love to read and love books, magazines, newspapers and everything else that includes the printed word need to sit up and pay attention here.

Our Ottumwa Public Library needs building repairs, money for staff raises and expanding, according to staff writer Cindy Toopes' story in Tuesday's Courier.

And if the library intends to grow, it really needs financial and public support.

Raises are a big concern, according to library director Mary Ann Lemon. "We're down to the bare bones," she said.

The library has its supporters such as Friends of the Library and Ottumwa's Kiwanis Clubs, which hold annual events to raise funds for library needs. It subsists on public finance and help from foundations and endowments.

But, it's not enough.

The 1901 building is showing its age. It has water leaks and crumbling walls. Tuckpointing has long been a big need.

Cost-saving measures, that add to worries about raises, have included cutting hours. The library is no longer open on Sundays. To many avid readers and library browsers, that's a big issue.

As director, Lemon is also concerned about the growing needs of the library's purpose. She'd like to see a two-story addition built. Space is needed for activities and, of course, more reading material. The library is a popular place for groups to meet. A wonderful, new meeting room in the library would be a great addition.

Lemon also pointed out that many Carnegie libraries -- the Ottumwa Carnegie library is on the National Register of Historic Places -- have expanded. And, that's the thing to do, she said, to add on to the grand old building rather than consider a new one.

She predicted any plans for a new library would be met with "a lot of resistance."

We think she is right.

City Administrator Joe Helfenberger told the board of trustees that he wants to study the library's complete situation before any recommendations are made.

That seems sensible -- to find out what all needs to be done, prioritize needs and come up with a working plan to include in the next budget process.

Lemon noted that library revenues are better but can't keep up with rising costs for utilities and library needs.

The library offers so much for the education and entertainment for a community.

We hope that the city and the library board can come up with a viable, working plan.

To see more of Ottumwa Courier or to subscribe to the newspaper, go to http://www.ottumwacourier.com/.

Copyright (c) 2008, Ottumwa Courier, Iowa
Distributed by McClatchy-Tribune Information Services.
For reprints, email tmsreprints@permissionsgroup.com, call 800-374-7985 or 847-635-6550, send a fax to 847-635-6968, or write to The Permissions Group Inc., 1247 Milwaukee Ave., Suite 303, Glenview, IL 60025, USA.

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