We are pretty heavy library users in our family, and we never use the branch libraries.

Michele, the Levy Center is a great idea for a pickup/dropoff alternative to the south branch. Plentiful parking, easy location, a plus for seniors who could order books from the main library and have them delivered and returned to the center. For the few people who ever seem to spend time in the south branch location, perhaps there is enough space in the Levy Center to accomodate a small reading room. I can't imagine users objecting to the occasional non-senior quietly using the facility. South Branch could definitely go.

North branch is a bit problematic. N. Evanston folks pay big taxes and do use the facility. It appears to be a destination for lots of nannies and baby sitters who take people's kids there to pass several hours in the reading and play room. And there's pretty significant density in the area, what with all the new condos and such. Other than the Chandler Center, which isn't comparable to the Levy Center. It's an asset to the shopping area, not a detriment. I'd rather see redundant social services cut before the north branch, but that may be a pipe dream.

Let us not forget that many so Evanstonians pay comparable big taxes whether they use any library. We all pay for both libraries.

We are now getting ready to spend $300,000 to renovate the branches, one we own, we rent the so branch.

Given the pressing financial problems, that is $300K that could be put to better use.

Edited by author 11-23-2008 04:41 PM
Ann - it is my understanding the renovation cost for the branches is higher than $300,000 ( believe more like $600,000 )it is being spread out over several years which by the way does not make much sense. sale of the adjoining building plus money out of the capital plan.

This is just like the two budget presentations - no one has a clear picture what is going on - staff seems to never want to put a final number on the table.

     I could understand if the branch libraries were closed because their is some redundancy of services. However, I would be very sad to see the south branch close. I feel that some of the comments do not reflect my experiences. Most of the times I go there (usually at least monthly)--all the computers are in use. There are also several people that are yes, reading there. The library being used as a reading room seems like a GOOD thing to me. In addition to the computers in use, and the "readers', there are also several patrons who like me, rush in and get what they need, and rush out.
      And yes, it only takes five more minutes to drive to the main library (though a little longer if it's rush hour), but it can take another 10-15 minutes to drive around their lot to get parking, to walk the 1/2 block into the library and possibly up to the section I want. For someone who is perpetually time challenged--going downtown could could add close to a half hour round trip onto the visit. Plus, I think parking costs more downtown. I know some may be saying "boo-hoo" for her, but the convenience of the south branch is great.
     Also, the selection is fine for fiction and basic reference and, as mentioned by others, if I want a special book I can get it sent to the south branch for me to pick up. Perhaps the library is a little "shabby", but I find it charming and fine for my needs. I cannot imagine why or what the $300,000 in renovations entails that would be worth the money. If there are basic structural problem, e.g. the toilet doesn't work, the heating system is failing--perhaps this is something the landlord could deal with depending on the lease.
     Once again, I understand that perhaps the south branch won't be able to exist due to budget restraints, but I would mourn it's passing. Also, just as an aside--I would be irked if the south branch was closed and the north branch remained open.

Barbara - the south branch is not handicap accessible and must be made so - including bathroom facilities,

Barbara,

Despite all the convenience the South Branch may offer you and a few others, given budget constraints, could that money better serve more people if used on other projects?

That is the core question and why we must rank order budget items. Just like a household budget.

Otherwise it is higher and higher taxes and fees and more debt.

Edited by author 11-24-2008 10:18 AM
Just a theoretical library question - What happens to the librarians?

This is the kind of hard decision that from what I've seen we can't make in this city. My bet is that they would be "absorbed" into the main library so that they didn't "lose" their jobs or their pensions.

It would make me sad to know that in order to save money the City would have to lay off staff librarians in the same way it would make me sad to have to lay off one of my architects in order to make payroll for the remaining five, but I believe that's the kind of hard decision that would have to be made.

I suppose that in order to avoid laying off a library employee the City could ask the remaining librarians if they would be willing to cut their hours and job share. Why couldn't we ask the librarians how they would handle this tough decision? I wonder what payroll is at the south branch?

I know there are a number of part-time library staff at the Main branch. Sad as it would be for them to lose their jobs, I would assume that full-time credentialed librarians' jobs would be rolled into the part-time jobs.

It is true, any tax savings is going to be primarily in salaries. I am curious about the money spent on consultants. How does Evanston compare with similar cities in that regard?

I wish I had the time to answer every Library specific question, however - here is a link that has the specifics - the 2008-9 budget. If you search "library" you will get the n and s branch statistics, the budgeted amounts for each, note an additional $50,000 per year for so branch rent.
Pages 295 & 296 and 532 and 533 have the detailed f/pt positions for library.

Gen fund budget for the library $4,805,000

http://www.cityofevanston.org/departments/.../pdf/0809budget.pdf

Closing the branch libraries is the responsible choice.

Edited by author 11-24-2008 12:41 PM
I notice that Evanston now puts a branch library of sorts at the levy center - I do not think that makes any sense at all.

I do think that drop off boxes at various citywide locations is a great & green idea.

Ann - if you are referring to the "Library" at the Levy Center, that collection is part of the Levy center and in no way is part of the library system. It is not a branch library of any sort. It is a collection for the enjoyment of the members. It may even be donated books and materials - I don't know the orgins.

Drop off boxes great idea.

Now, Mike I certainly know what the room is at the levy center.

I was referring to Evanston Now article:

"To be equitable, two or three additional branch libraries would be needed. One could be located at the Levy Senior Center at 300 Dodge Ave., a facility the city already owns, as it owns the existing north branch library on Central Street. That would place a branch in Rainey's ward."

I can never tell if this stuff is tongue in cheek.

Ah, I missed the EV NOW article. Amazing how much Bill gets off your board!