Under Pressure from County Officials, Gwinnett Library WillKeep All Branches
Plan to turn three of 15 branches into computer centers reversed
Norman Oder -- Library Journal, 10/22/2009
- First plan shot down was closing Dacula library
- Huge uproar over plan for computer centers
- Limited hours at all branches
In Gwinnett County, GA, apparently, changes in branch configuration ain’t over 'til they're over. After county commissioners asked the board of the financially strapped Gwinnett County Public Library (GCPL) to reconsider a plan to turn three branches—including a three-year-old one beloved by residents of Dacula—into computer labs, the board reversed itself.
Instead, all 15 branches will offer full service but with reduced hours, a plan put forward last month by the board member representing Dacula but rejected 3-1 at the time. The plan will be implemented between January and June of 2010.
Second plan
The decision to create computer centers actually was the second plan. In August, the board voted to close the Dacula branch to provide staffing for the new Hamilton Mill Library, which is scheduled to open early next year, an action that drew a huge protest. The Dacula library, at 20,000 square feet, was twice the size of the other two branches set for conversion into labs.
In a letter posted on the GCPL web site, executive director Nancy Stanbery-Kellam explained that each of five service models previously considered contained inherent “inequities in service… because none of them would allow for the level of staffing, materials, and service that the community has come to expect.”
Stanbery-Kellam said the staff also recommended a survey so customers can provide input regarding optimum hours open.
Library under pressure
She also wrote:
We are in an unprecedented financial situation and, unfortunately, we have been the subject of debate that has been fueled by assumptions and incorrect information. It saddens us that contrary to all reason, library staff has actually been described as unsupportive of books and literacy. We believe that books will be around for a long time despite fantastic advances in technology.
Her letter had a somewhat defensive tone:
At no time before the reduction in funding for libraries or after did I or any member of the library staff intend to offend or fail to communicate with any elected official or citizen in the community. We regret any loss of good will and hope to move forward in a positive manner. None of us can deny the sentiment that citizens value public library service.
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Contact the author: noder@reedbusiness.com
