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Suggestion for new library site

To the editor:
I missed the open house at which the location for a new library was to be discussed. If I had been there I would have suggested a third alternative to the downtown and fire hall sites: locating the library in the open field in River Walk Park. Ý Why this location? It is the closestÝoption to a downtown site, but without theÝhigh cost of acquiring land.
IÝbelieve a downtown site is preferable toÝthe Fire HallÝproposal.ÝThe River Walk site is almost downtown,Ýit isÝhighly visible (right on Highway 30), the city owns the land, and locating it there would enhance both the park and the library, and may enable the city to access additional funding for the library.Ý
In addition to its proximity to downtown and visibility on Highway 30, the site is accessible by paths from the north as well as the south and at some future point may be connected to paths to the schools. The city gets its name from the river and enhancing the river valley would be a very positive move for the city. Think about the setting, the ability to walk along the river, stopping at one of the benches along the shore and reading a book you just checked out of the library.
In constructing the library, plans could include an atrium and a small nature center. The resource material of theÝnature center could be part of the library collection and facilities could be shared. Contrast that to the firehall site which is far from the center of town. It doesnít have the visual qualities of River Walk or the trail system.
It is my understanding that River Walk was identified as a potential site, but that no research was done to evaluate it in comparison to the other sites. Well whatever is decided, the most important thing is that we are getting a new library. Now is the time to build it. It is a smart counter-cyclical measure that is overdue.
Robert G. Walz
North Branch

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