Willowbranch Library In Danger.

[ubben]

In case you have not heard the news, there is a possibility the Willowbranch library may be “repurposed”.  The branch may become a repository for the large genealogical collection, which is currently located at the Main Library.  This "budget saving move" was recommended in the 2010 Capacity Plan formulated by a private consulting firm, hired by the City of Jacksonville.  If the Willowbranch Library is “repurposed”, it may seriously reduce or eliminate the many wonderful services and programs offered at this branch.  Yikes!!!

The Board of Library Trustees will consider the recommendation regarding the repurposing of the Willowbranch Library at its Board Meeting at noon on Thursday, May 12, 2011, in the Main Library Conference Center (in Multipurpose Room One).  There is opportunity for public comment at the beginning of this Board Meeting.  The Board will make its recommendation to the Mayor and the City Council regarding the repurposing of the Willowbranch Library in approximately two months.

If you object to the Willowbranch Library being repurposed as a repository for the genealogical collection of the Main Library, please: a) attend the Library Board Meeting on May 12, 2011, and/or b) send an e-mail with your objections to Ms. Barbara Gubbin, Director of Jacksonville Public Library, for the Library Board’s consideration at its noon meeting on May 12, 2011.  (Please put "Willowbranch Library" in the subject line of your e-mail.)  Ms. Gubbin’s e-mail address is listed below.  Please also copy your e-mail to:  SaveWillowbranchLib@hotmail.com so we will have a record of this neighborhood support.

Thank you!

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Contact information for Ms. Gubbin:

Barbara A. B. Gubbin, Director
Jacksonville Public Library
303 North Laura Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202
Desk: (904) 630-1994
Fax (904) 630-1343
E-mail address:  BGubbin@coj.net

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[Jumpinjack]

OMG, this is a very small library and is very heavily used. There is no room for any more stuff in there.

[billy]

have always admired the building

[tufsu1]

I'm sure Mike Hogan will repurpose it as well....i.e., closing it.

[fsujax]

that wouldnt be the only one!

[Jumpinjack]

^ Which is why strong support right now for this little community library is important.

[acme54321]

What is with the city hiring so many "consultants"  Can't the higher ups at the library figure out how best to utilize their assets?  Isn't that their job?  If they are doing such a poor job maybe they should find another line of work.

[ChriswUfGator]

WTF? That's our only library in Riverside, and I use it constantly.

WTFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF COJ?

[Dog Walker]

Could it be that the heavy users of the genealogical section don't like going to the Main Library because of the parking and bum problems?  Maybe this isn't a budget saving move, but a response to complaints.  Putting something like this in a branch library makes no sense at all.

We need to complain louder!

[fieldafm]

Whoever goes to this... please post what transpired at the meeting.  Did they recommend closure.  Did they defer?  If they did recommend closure, did they leave open the possibility of keeping community events at the library? 

Thank you!

[grimss]

From RAP's Facebook page:

Willowbranch Library Update: No vote at yesterday's Library Trustees mtg, but the proposed repurposing of Willowbranch into a storage facility for the Main Library's genealogical records is still on the table.

We understand that the report recommends that only the bottom floor children's area be retained for actual public library use; all other space and the entire main floor would become a records repository--and a lightly staffed one at that. Report claims a $500,000 savings because of the associated reduction in staff.

"

The Library Board document regarding the Capacity Plan recommendations is not the Library budget, per se, but a separate document. The Library budget has already gone to the Mayor and City Council for consideration. The Library Board recommendations going to the Mayor and City Council concerning the Capacity Plan will reflect a variety of issues addressed by the private consultants in the Capacity Plan, some of which include fiscal matters, such as cost savings due to a recommended repurposing of a branch."

[Jumpinjack]

^Unacceptable. No!

We wrote our email to the Library Board yesterday even though we missed the meeting. Urge the rest of you to write your opinion too.

[Dog Walker]

Bet that the $500,000 saving is over about ten years or so and theoretical at best.  This is a de facto closing of this branch as its use as a regular library would vanish.

[stephenc]

Now guys don't go crazy on me but the Murray Hill Branch is 1.7 miles from Willowbranch. Is it necessary having two so close together? The other three branches on the Westside are several miles apart from each other.

[Bativac]

Bet that the $500,000 saving is over about ten years or so and theoretical at best.  This is a de facto closing of this branch as its use as a regular library would vanish.

So in a couple years, the city can decide "we can't pay to maintain this expensive glorified storage unit," and either tear it down or sell it to a developer to convert into lofts. That's my guess! I also suspect that no amount of email or showing up for meetings is going to change their course!