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Library supporters try to come up with plans for future

by Jason Lamb
Tuesday, November 10, 2009

ANCHORAGE, Alaska -- Tuesday night the Anchorage Library Foundation gathered to hear what Anchorage residents think about the future of Anchorages libraries.

That's as Mayor Dan Sullivan has slated several library cuts for his 2010 budget.

Tuesday night was the next step after initial results of a study showing the Anchorage libraries pale in comparison to libraries in other cities of similar size across the country.

A group of about 80 people got together at the Loussac Library to offer up ideas on how to change that.

The challenge now is figuring out if those ideas will work with budget cuts on the table.

“The library is something we share and I think there’s a sense that we kind of let it deteriorate to the point that it’s really time to bring it back,” said Charles Wohlforth of the Anchorage Library Foundation.

Under the slogan of “Survive, strive and thrive,” the Anchorage Library Foundation held a town-hall-style meeting Tuesday night to try and figure out how to bring it back.

The method was to break out into small groups and tackle specific questions like how to make the libraries more welcoming and inviting.

Some who attended say why not have greeters at the front doors.

“There's always a few people who want advice or directions, and this would be a very good thing to have for student interns from high schools or the university,” said Don McDermott, one of the meeting’s participants.

There was enough room on the white paper tablets for everyone to speak their mind about the future of the libraries in Anchorage.

“I am very much disturbed that in Mountain View we finally get a library, now I don't know if we're going to have to close it before it opens, that's my concern,” said Cal Williams, another participant.

Sullivan has a concern too: Balancing a budget that he says faces increased costs because of increased labor contract expenses.

He reminded proponents of libraries that at last week’s Assembly meeting.

“For all the people who are here, seeking more funding for your programs, you've got some people to thank for the situation we're in, and it's not myself and my administration. We're here to fix the problem, the voters asked us to fix the problem,” Sullivan said on Nov. 13.

Under Sullivan’s proposed 2010 budget, libraries would lose 11 positions to layoffs.

While there are no hour changes planned for the Loussac Library, there would be hour reductions in branch libraries.

It would also increase fines for children who return books late.

“You know I think everyone recognizes there will be budget cuts. I'd like to see the cuts be no worse for the library than for other parts of the city, and with the plan we've got in front of us, they are quite a bit worse,” Wohlforth said.

It’s a thought process in context at the Loussac Tuesday night, because in tough economic times, novel ideas on paper have to balance with the city's budget spread sheets.

With the city budget approval coming up, that balancing act continues for next year’s services.

That balance may come down to choosing between keeping library hours the same as they are now or perhaps hiring a police officer or fire fighter?

The mayor has publicly said many times that he'll choose public safety first.

Contact Jason Lamb at jlamb@ktuu.com