July 14, 2011
Thursday

Dear SitNews Editor:

Recently a citizen wrote to SITNEWS that the design for the new library looks like a "barn."  Ketchikan cannot solve its public library problems by simply building a "barn" at a semi isolated local gravel pit and dump site.  That's the easy part.  It is more of a challenge to build quality collections and assemble a library staff that knows what they are doing.  This important challenge reminds me of the definition of a library inscribed on a coffee cup in my collection.

It reads: "LIBRARY, A BUILDING OR ROOM CONTAINING SCREAMING KIDS PLAYING VIDEO GAMES AND WREAKING  HAVOC IN WHAT USED TO BE A QUIET AND PEACEFUL PLACE TO READ BOOKS."

Will Ketchikan have the courage to build a quality library or another noisy playroom and entertainment center?  We shall see.

Robert D. Warner
Ketchikan, AK