My Letter Protesting Proposed Changes In The Glendale Library

Proposed library upgrades are ridiculous

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Glendale News-Press

July 30, 2013 | 6:02 p.m.

Absurd, absolutely absurd! As a longtime patron of the Glendale Public Library, that is my considered opinion of the proposed “upgrades” to the library.

One of the ridiculous proposals is the relocation of the main entrance. That entrance is visually engaging and absolutely functional. There is no logical reason whatsoever to move it.

Another illogical proposed alteration is the repositioning of a staircase. There are two staircases. Both are in excellent condition and ideally situated to accommodate all patrons.

A third mindless proposal entails adding a new elevator. The current elevators are logically positioned to serve any and all individuals needing or wishing to make use of them.

In addition to the mind-boggling expenditure of $15 million for these unnecessary changes (not to mention the $900,000 already squandered on design plans), the sonic disruption to the library patrons should be absolutely nerve-wracking. Indeed, it is quite conceivable that the library could actually be shut down for weeks, or even months, during these renovations.

May I strongly suggest that the funding for these ridiculous changes instead be channeled into restoring the library's original hours of 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday? And, beyond that, perhaps the library's hours on Friday and Saturday could also be extended to 9 p.m. instead of the present closing time of 6 p.m. Such changes would benefit patrons far more than a changed entrance, moved staircase, and extra elevator.

Franklin Ruehl, Ph.D.
Glendale