Editorial

New library

Saturday, January 5, 2008

The $8.9 million renovation and expansion of the Cape Girardeau Public Library on Clark Avenue is well underway. Anyone who has driven by the old library can see that the structure has been gutted, with little but a concrete framework left standing. Meanwhile, the library is temporarily housed on South Broadview Street.

Some passers-by and part-time sidewalk superintendents have expressed surprise that the old library building is gone, except for the superstructure and roof. They say that's not what they recall being told during the campaign before last year's successful vote on a bond issue to pay for the new library.

But library director Betty Martin says the renovation and expansion are progressing as planned before last year's election. Library staff members and board members are focused on what the new facility will have to offer when it opens: a state-of-the-art library.

We expect the upgraded facility will be a gem, but Cape Girardeau isn't just getting a "renovated and expanded" library. It's getting a new library.

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Cape Library Director Betty Martin was not honest with citizens by telling them that if they voted for a substantial tax increase the library would be expanded. If you drive by the library you can easily see that it has been almost completely torn down. Cape is getting an entirely new library. We are spending much more money than what would have been necessary to rebuild, especially considering that libraries are soon to be obsolete due to computers. I am tired of being lied to by city officials wanting tax increases for their pet projects. Betty Martin should be terminated immediately along with her accomplices.

-- Posted by Make no mistake about it on Sat, Jan 5, 2008, at 8:21 AM
After listening to several presentations about the library and using it at least weekly, looking at the drawings and viewing the on line video, I think that it is progressing well. The fact that the old structure can be gutted and available to the contractor with out fear of interrupting a fully functioning library is a big plus. The expansion will provide a very good place for everyone to use.

Library usage is up for many age groups. The resources that libraries make available that I would have to pay for are a benefit. Consumer Reports is available in analog form or digital. Analog is free at your library. Digital requires a subscription and a fee if you want to look at back issues or read the reviews for a specific product.

It seems that internet access is one of the services provided, as the workstations are always occupied. As much as digital media is part of life, many times it is really nice to leaf back a few chapters to refresh my mind and not have to scroll or search and then cull the references. Analog does have advantages and a certain comfort.

-- Posted by John Baker on Sat, Jan 5, 2008, at 11:09 AM
I hope they can air out that old stale stinky book smell that was in the old library.

-- Posted by user Vast Right Wing Conspiracy on Sat, Jan 5, 2008, at 12:45 PM
Swan, BakersBigBurger & the Library

To paraphrase, you said that you felt that you were deceived about the libray tax and renovation issue. No offense, but are you surprised about that?

Do you feel that this is the first time that you, I, or, the Cape Girardeau citizen has been deceived on an issue, especially, a taxing issue?

Some people in Cape consider it progress whenever they pick your pocket, especially, if it is for what they and their friends consider a "good" cause.

If you speak up, identify the perps, and pull some short hairs, you might effect change.

-- Posted by Brill on Sun, Jan 6, 2008, at 1:35 AM

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