INFORMATION CAMPAIGN INITIATED BY LIBRARIES

JACKSON -- Trustees of Jackson City and Riverside Regional libraries have joined forces to produce 5,000 brochures answering frequently asked questions about a merger of the two libraries.

Officials of both libraries want to merge the libraries and build a library in the city park off Independence Street. Voters will decide the matter in November.

The merger idea developed when it was determined the Jackson City Library couldn't move to the new city hall that will be in the old Boatmen's Bank building. Structural engineers said the second-floor space intended for the library can't hold the weight of the books. Riverside officials have said their library is becoming cramped and a larger library would better serve the area.

"There have been 5,000 of these brochures printed to be placed in strategic locations around the area," Larry Koenig told the Jackson Board of Aldermen Monday.

Koenig, who is Jackson's administrative service director and city liaison to the merger committee, said more brochures could be printed if needed. The brochures will be distributed to civic groups and perhaps passed out at a Jackson High School football game.

The president of the Riverside Board of Trustees, Roland Sander, said representatives of both libraries have been talking to civic groups and other organizations about the merger.

"We're seeing a lot more positive people than at first," Sander said. "We're trying to get as many people involved as possible."

Sander said the information being presented will allow voters to make an informed choice.

"Some people have criticized the site because they're afraid we'll canopy the park," Sander said. "That isn't true. The library would be built on a parking lot. There really won't be a whole lot of change if it's built there. We would be open to other locations too. Just call us. We're trying to make people get enough information to make the decision."

Should the merger be approved, the city library would become a branch of Riverside and the libraries would merge under one roof in 1997.