Back in February at the state of the city address, Mayor Mike Brown explained he had questions surrounding the library project.
Since then, we’ve had some time to explore his questions and further explain why we’ve made the decisions we’ve made.
Here, we will share a weekly update addressing Mayor Brown’s questions, which are probably your questions, too. (And, if you’re still puzzled, be sure to comment directly on this post or ask us here. We want to be on the same page.)
Questions 1 and 2: When looking for a location for the Grand Forks Public Library, why was the line drawn at 32nd Avenue South, omitting anything further south? Is the proposed location (the current site) truly the best location and how sure are we that if the vote passes, it should go there?
Answer: There were no restrictions placed on proposed sites at the beginning of the site selection process in January of 2009. A total of 22 possible locations in all areas of the city were considered. Sites were evaluated and ranked according to a standardized evaluation process provided by the library consultants.
In spring of 2010, when the Library Task Force began the process of narrowing down the site options to five finalist locations, it was suggested that three properties south of 32nd Avenue be removed from the list of considerations. This decision was based on citizen input received via early comments in the Speak Up for Your Library process. Citizens overwhelmingly indicated that their public library should be: centrally located, in close proximity to the high schools and middle schools, and easily accessed by those who walk or ride bike.
At the request of City Council, the Wellness Center location – situated in the 50th Avenue area of South Washington Street – was reinserted as one of the three finalist options under consideration in July 2010. That location remained as an option until the final site – the current library site – was unanimously approved by the Building Committee on January 26, 2011.
If you check a map of the city you will see that the library is located smack dab in the middle of the community as it exists in 2011. There was no other possible site with more centralized access for patrons, including pedestrians and bicyclists.
Room for expansion and additional parking are available by purchasing adjacent property. Acquisition of a lot to the east will allow the necessary space to accommodate a city bus stop at the library – something that has not been offered for more than 30 years.
Access to the location is excellent, just a block off of two of the community’s best-traveled arteries: South Washington Street and 17th Avenue. Visibility is still a concern, but options exist for additional signage.
After carefully considering the options available at this time, the Library Board and Building Committee members have endorsed the current library site as the best possible location for new construction. Forty years of faithful service to our growing community has reinforced the site as a decidedly familiar location for library patrons – at the intersection of Library Circle and Library Lane – and easily accessible from all four directions.
speak up for your library 