Letter to the Editor, Posted: 8/11/04
To the editor:
In the Post Review, Aug. 4, 2004, Phil Carlson has addressed some concerns about the library situation in Chisago County incorrectly.ÝHe questions the $6.5 bond issue to build three new libraries.ÝThis is a bargain.ÝHe states there were no publicÝhearings.ÝI attended several meetings and public meetings on the subject. Others there were mayors, township officials and city council members. Many offered resolutions from their boards supporting the library efforts.
Discussions for the new libraries began in June of 2003 with a public hearing July 16. There was a six-week notice. Later there was another public hearing with HRA. Wyoming has only a bookmobile once a week. Not very good service for a community its size.ÝNorth Branch is housed in a structure that cannot support the weight of tons of books and much too small for the community and parking is very limited.ÝThe Lindstrom library was built nearly 30 years ago and is much too small and not adequate for the area.ÝThe present population now at about 44,000 needs and demands modern and updated library services. Literary needs in nearby counties are being addressed and new libraries are going to be built in Washington County.ÝThe $6.5 million bond is a break down of only $10-14 per person.ÝThis is a bargain. The bond rate was 4.9 percent. Another thing that needs to be explained as well is the space problem,ÝChisago County has the worst space problem in the state of Minnesota.ÝPrisoners in Rush City have 10 times the library space per person than residents in the rest of the county. ECRL provides the services for the libraries in six counties.ÝThese services are paid for by each of the six counties that ECRL serves.ÝPopulation is a critical factor in how much is paid out for library services.ÝIf there is not enough space the money is not spent wisely.ÝBuilding more space is the only logical way to make this system work.
Verna Hoppe
North Branch
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