The James Prendergast Library in Jamestown
JAMESTOWN – The James Prendergast Library board will hold its regular monthly meeting this afternoon, with several residents expected to be in attendance. Since February, the library has been the focus of attention due to concerns some have expressed regarding the library’s direction in service.
Not only have residents voiced their concerns to the library board, but City Council President Greg Rabb has also addressed the issue, urging the board to have a public forum to help establish a dialogue between the library and those with concerns. Board President Tom Price responded to Rabb’s request by saying he encourages those with concerns to voice them during today’s meeting, along with future meetings. He also said that, at this point, the board will hold off on any type of community forum regarding the library, and instead encourage residents to attend the regular monthly meetings.
Others who have voiced concern include Renate Bob, who’s served as the long-time president of the Friends of the Prendergast Library Association. She recently wrote a letter to the board outlining her concerns for how new books were being selected at the library.
Last month, nearly 50 residents were on hand during a meeting of the Friends of the Prendergast Library to voice their concerns. Both Price and Assistant Director Tina Scott were both on hand to respond to those concerns and answer various questions, although Library Executive Director Linda Mielke was unable to be in attendance due to a prior commitment.
Today’s Prendergast Library Board meeting begins at 12:15 p.m. in the library’s Fireplace Room. A public comment portion will be available during the meeting.
RELATED CONTENT
- Reni Bob’s Letter to Board – March 21, 2012
- Cheryl Johnson Letter to Board – March, 2012
- Prendergast Board’s Letter to Greg Rabb – March 8, 2012
- Greg Rabb’s Letter to Board – March 1, 2012
- George Fuller Letter of Concern – February 2012
- Prendergast Library Forum 02-28-2012 – Part One (Complete Audio)
- Prendergast Library Forum 02-28-2012 – Part Two (Complete Audio)
”Circulation is about as valuable for indicating usefulness as the number of Big Macs, fries and cokes sold is for indicating the general nutritional level of the population….just as the increased sale of junk food weakens us physically, the increased circulation of schlock diminishes us intellectually.……A strong case can be made that the most useful books are likely to be not those that circulate most , but those that make a real difference in our lives.” -Murray Bob
Great analogy!