NORD lobbies for library

By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star - November 11, 2007

There is regional pressure for a new library to take shape in downtown Vernon. North Okanagan Regional District officials are pushing for a 30,000-square-foot library to be part of a proposed civic complex by Vernon city hall. “I have my fingers cross that I will soon see a new library in Vernon,” said Rick Fairbairn, NORD’s representative to Okanagan Regional Library. ORL hopes a new branch could be in place by 2009 or 2010. NORD plays a role in the matter because taxpayers from Areas B and C contribute towards the operations of the Vernon library, as do Coldstream residents. The city is proposing to construct a $31 million complex housing a library and office space for city staff and the RCMP. ORL may bring $9 million to the table, but the bulk of the construction will be paid for by Vernon taxpayers. They will be asked to borrow $20 or $30 million during a referendum in January.

Director Patrick Nicol warns that ORL’s funding for expanded services could go to other communities if the Vernon project doesn’t proceed. “The library doesn’t get the respect it deserves,” said Nicol, who is a city councillor and member of the ORL board. Director Wayne Lippert points out that Modesto, Calif. closed libraries because of the Internet and technological advances but they are now being reopened because of public demand. “Libraries are still a very important part of the community,” said Lippert, who is also Vernon’s mayor. The current design for the civic complex calls for the new library to be on the ground floor. The 30,000-square-feet would incorporate the existing library building.

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Don Quixote's Note: I am researching the 'closures' of libraries in Modesto. The only closures I have found yet seem to refer back into the 80's well before the 'internet and other technological advances' If any Blogreaders can bring more light to this mattter please leave link etc. in Comments Section.

http://www.stanislauslibrary.org/ann01.htm

In 1971, when the central Modesto Library on I Street was built to serve as a hub for more than 20 branch libraries located throughout the county, Stanislaus County’s population was approximately 200,000. In the late 1980s, severe funding cuts forced the closure of many branches and a sharp reduction in the hours the Modesto Library was open. As a result, Stanislaus County residents twice voted to enact a 1/8 cent sales tax to support the library. Hours of operation and branch locations were restored to about 1971 levels. However, the county’s population has grown to 447,000 and the existing libraries simply cannot adequately meet the needs of our community.

Stanislaus County has adopted a plan to develop a regional library system, with sizeable full-service libraries, conveniently located, in areas with the greatest population. The plan anticipates the county’s continued growth. The timeline is aggressive, with a goal of opening the first regional library in Salida by late summer 2002. Within five years, we expect to open a regional library in the Turlock area and renovate the Modesto Library to make it more accessible and spacious. Branch libraries in other communities will also be improved and will support the regional system. In order to finance the development of this regional system, the county will seek a variety of funding sources, including, federal grants and State Proposition 14 funds (Library Bond Act of 2000), as well as funding through private foundations.

Modestos library Hours are: (Monday to Sunday)

Modesto 1500 I Street 558-7800

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