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When we talk about the library’s needs and possible expansion, we tend to focus on the positive. Mostly, we talk about our need for more space and the improved services we can provide. However, we also need more space for our staff. Our systems administrator has his office inside the computer lab where the servers are located. Too many things are crammed into too little space.
However, there are other issues with our current building. The roof leaks. When it rains, we move equipment around and place trashcans under all known leaks. We’ve made some repairs and fixed some problems, but ultimately we need a roof.
There is a break in the sewer line between the public restrooms and the main line. I’ll spare you the details other than to say, we don’t get paid enough for that.
The library moved into its present location in 1995. We had 35,000 items and no computers. Today we have nearly 70,000 items crammed into the same space. We have 12 public Internet computers and 10 laptops. The building was not wired for the technology that we currently employ. We have very few places that people can plug in their laptops and we don’t allow them to string their cords from the few outlets we have through traffic lanes creating a trip hazard.
The tax levy we are asking for will not just build a bigger building. It will renovate the existing structure. It will mean the staff doesn’t have to move equipment and put trashcans under the leaks. The restrooms shouldn’t have to be closed until we can get a plumber scheduled. We won’t have to cover up electrical outlets when they start to spark. We won’t have to shut down computers and move heavy furniture around to have programs.
Our goal is to create a stellar library for this community. Making our work space and time more productive is a good outcome, too.
Ginny Ray is executive director of the Neosho / Newton County Library.
When we talk about the library’s needs and possible expansion, we tend to focus on the positive. Mostly, we talk about our need for more space and the improved services we can provide. However, we also need more space for our staff. Our systems administrator has his office inside the computer lab where the servers are located. Too many things are crammed into too little space.
However, there are other issues with our current building. The roof leaks. When it rains, we move equipment around and place trashcans under all known leaks. We’ve made some repairs and fixed some problems, but ultimately we need a roof.
There is a break in the sewer line between the public restrooms and the main line. I’ll spare you the details other than to say, we don’t get paid enough for that.
The library moved into its present location in 1995. We had 35,000 items and no computers. Today we have nearly 70,000 items crammed into the same space. We have 12 public Internet computers and 10 laptops. The building was not wired for the technology that we currently employ. We have very few places that people can plug in their laptops and we don’t allow them to string their cords from the few outlets we have through traffic lanes creating a trip hazard.
The tax levy we are asking for will not just build a bigger building. It will renovate the existing structure. It will mean the staff doesn’t have to move equipment and put trashcans under the leaks. The restrooms shouldn’t have to be closed until we can get a plumber scheduled. We won’t have to cover up electrical outlets when they start to spark. We won’t have to shut down computers and move heavy furniture around to have programs.
Our goal is to create a stellar library for this community. Making our work space and time more productive is a good outcome, too.
Ginny Ray is executive director of the Neosho / Newton County Library.
