More Library Volleys

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Back on May 4, I wrote this blog.

An article written by Fred Volz and published in the March issue of Whatcom Watch had sparked that particular blog because it contained so many errors and misrepresentations.

Subsequently, Pam Kiesner, our BPL Library Director, also responded to Mr Volz' comments in another article that appeared in the May, 2009 issue of Whatcom Watch

Now, in the June issue of Whatcom Watch, Mr Volz has again occupied printed space to spread misinformation and actually engage in personal attacks on Ms Kiesner.
I find that as offensive and mean-spirited, which may explain why Whatcom Watch has not chosen to publish this latest text in its online version.
Readers will need to obtain a hard copy of WW in order to read Mr Volz' latest sorry missive.
I suspect most regular WW readers will take Mr Volz with a large grain of salt, if they read him at all.
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In related news, today's Herald ran this story

From the Whatcom County Library System website, information is readily available.
And, from this site, answers to 10 Frequently Asked Questions [FAQs] are listed.

The Bellingham Public Library website also contains much information on its services, budget and 4 locations, including its most recent user's survey.
Although BPL -by law- is funded separately from Whatcom County's 9 rural branch libraries, it has a very close working relationship with the Whatcom County Library System.
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All of the public debate, questions and ideas on the future of our Library is legitimate, of course.
That is part of our system of checks and balances about priorities, as it should be.
And, no one doubts the dire financial straits that currently face our community and the restrictions that brings.
But, no one should doubt the hard work done over the last several years, either, to identify future needs and seek to scope them into a cohesive document that comprehensively addresses the challenges anticipated.

While it is a moot question as to the exact timing of the new library facilities required, their need is clear to any clear-eyed observer.
No amount of malicious or misinformed rhetoric can change our community's basic underlying need for adequate library facilities.
The time for asking citizens to support a library to meet more modern needs is coming, and when that occurs, it will be nice to have all the community input possible.
After all, that's how 'public process' is supposed to work, isn't it?

And, what is it about these arrant naysayers, that impels them to continuously bad-mouth ideas that clearly benefit our community?
Maybe they should just check out a good book to read, and learn something from it?
You can borrow one at any public library...
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