The Library Debate
Maybe I'm missing something with the library debate but it looks like we should all support the renovation. If I'm missing something please let me know.As I understand it, the Bernal Library is slated for a $3.5M renovation that will result in:
- a new expanded children’s room on the lower level
- a designated teen area on the main floor
- The renovations will also include an elevator and accessible restrooms, making the branch fully accessible to all.
Under the proposed plan, the 60-year-old Bernal Heights library will get a new electrical system that can handle more computers, including personal laptops, and can power better lighting; a ramp and elevator to provide easy access for all visitors; and anchors, bracing and trusses to improve its ability to withstand earthquakes.The contentious issue has to do with a pre-school operating in the library's basement. This program can support a maximum of 24 students. This library has agreed to delay construction until the end of the school year at which time the pre-school will move to a larger area at the nearby Paul Revere Elementary School.
It seems to me that the plan allows for a continuation of the City College of San Francisco's morning-only program as well as a new and improved library for all Bernal residents.
Am I missing something?
posted by MjStrainSF at 4:13 PM
6 Comments:
Some of the other benefits to the upgrade are:
- Seismic strengthening
- Expanded area for children
- Access to playground from children's area
- Increased book collection
- Designated teen area
- New Restrooms
- elevator and staircase
- Restored historic features
- Wireless Internet access
- Improved lighting, heating, and ventilation
New and restored furniture
Seems like a win win situation. I'm planning on attending the meeting at the library on Wednesday at 7:00pm to show my support. See you there?
Janet Calvin
I agree. I didn't really pay much attention to this before I saw the protest on Wednesday. After reading up, it seems ridiculous, like people are making this into an excuse to fight "gentrifiction". Having library services at a library and a preschool at a school seems to make all the sense in the world. And given that it's a 6 or 7 short blocks away, I really have little sympathy.
I agree. I didn't really pay much attention to this before I saw the protest on Wednesday. After reading up, it seems ridiculous, like people are making this into an excuse to fight "gentrifiction". Having library services at a library and a preschool at a school seems to make all the sense in the world. And given that it's a 6 or 7 short blocks away, I really have little sympathy.
I too attended the meeting this week and I'm sad to report that BOTH sides disappointed me. The "save the library crowd" seemed resistant to hearing any of the "community's" plans. I give them credit for their planning efforts. The "community" group seemed more interested in raising a ruckus than allowing their hard work and plans being appropriately presented and seems to take the position that this was a socioeconomic battle amongst the neighborhood. I never thought I'd see such division and hostility in Bernal. We are ALL the community, we all want a top-rate facility, and we can work together to get the most for the community.
If the two positions are 1) a library should be a library and we need all the space we can get and 2) we would like to honor the 26 year tradition of the preschool at the library, why are not both sides fighting this fight against the city together?
What does not make sense to me is why additional funds via bond money can't be used to broaden the scope of the project if the additional space is going to be used by the library. Perhaps there is some statue that states that no mixed use building is eligible. Do we know? It also seems strange that with modern engineering and construction we can’t get enough space for a school, an increase in books and services for adults, teens, and children and even this activity room.
It’s time to move forward, together. I think a few people from each perspective should meet with a few people without strong ties to either side of the argument. We can look at the building plans, go back to basics to figure out what we really want and need.
Ed
Well no one responded to my suggestions to work together. Maybe this will get people talking...
[Noe Valley Voice, February 2006]
http://www.noevalleyvoice.com/2006/February/Libr.html
Let the celebration begin. Noe Valley's historic library has escaped a million-dollar financial crisis that had threatened to derail major renovations planned for the seismically feeble branch.
The San Francisco Library Commission last month agreed, somewhat morosely, to dig deeper into its pockets to find the money to make up for construction bids that came in one-third higher than officials estimated....The commission's action also reinvigorated local efforts to raise $130,000 to pay for interior and other costs that city funds won't cover. The fundraising effort had been in limbo because of the ongoing renovation delays--and prompted one of the largest donors to put a $15,000 pledge on hold.
Kim Drew, chair of the Noe Valley Library Campaign, said the group was working to resecure the $15,000. So far, the organization has raised $63,000 in contributions and pledges to pay for new computers, tables, chairs, shelving, and other interior fixtures.
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