Eureka Public Library District - New Building Referendum?

We had the unusual opportunity to catch the Eureka Public Library District Board meeting on Monday night last

It was incredibly interesting. Much of the meeting was centered around thoughts of some sort of expansion, demolition, and/or relocation of the library.

We heard no budgetary numbers attached to these various options. Apparently, the original facility was essentially a gift from a Eureka resident and is "trusteed" by a church. There is also a State of Illinois historic preservation situation involved with a potential move.

Additionally, the board unanimously approved a 5% pay increase for library staff, and it was mentioned that much of the budgetary pressure was coming from I.M.R.F. contributions, which, it was stated, "we have no control over - it's State mandated".

Computer and software updates were also mentioned as needing monetary attention.

Morphing the library to more of a "community center" was discussed.

We may be way off on this - but it is our opinion that Public Libraries are desperately scrambling for relevance and a customer base.

Let's face it - folks aren't reading like they used to and if the libraries are to become "internet access points" why do they even need a complex at all? Are we to fund these things as book and computer warehouses?

Eureka, and many other libraries are in danger of losing their "warm and fuzzy" support from the tax paying folks that regard them with nostalgia as historic, iconic, and cultural reference points - places which they would endow from their estates when they die.

We would humbly submit that the libraries take a little break, take a few deep breaths, and consider what their missions should be in terms of their communities' wishes and history, rather than trying to create demand for something that perhaps isn't wanted or needed.

The public library system should not be a social service agency, nor a jobs program. If it is to be "public" it should serve genuine public needs. If it is to be private and privately endowed, it can make it's own mission, but it must create that without funding from property taxes, federal and state grants, or other public funds.

Take a look at this article from the Christian Science Monitor:

http://www.csmonitor.com/2002/0725/p02s02-ussc.html