Parish
Why Is Library Closing for So Long?
RECEIVED Tue., May 22, 2007
Dear Editor,
What is the deal with the Twin Oaks Library (South Austin branch) closing for four months this summer? Just so they can put in new carpet and paint in a facility that will be closing permanently in a couple of years? It doesn’t make sense to me. Why don’t they spend the money putting in new shelves with lots of new books instead? And how about they get started working on the new Mary branch or the Manchaca branch for that matter instead of refurbishing an old facility that won’t be there that long anyway? Seriously, is anyone else kind of scratching their head about the logic of all this? Even the librarians don’t seem that enthused about this project. What about all the school kids who are out of school all summer? Is it really a good idea to close down one of the only other free sources of books? There are folks who rely on local access to the Internet and others who really benefit from a quick trip to the library on the way to HEB or just to get out of the heat. It goes against my sensibilities to see a library close down for so long. Especially when the purpose is for interior design instead of getting new books and tapes and DVDs and computers. They need a few thousand more books. Forget the carpet!
What is the deal with the Twin Oaks Library (South Austin branch) closing for four months this summer? Just so they can put in new carpet and paint in a facility that will be closing permanently in a couple of years? It doesn’t make sense to me. Why don’t they spend the money putting in new shelves with lots of new books instead? And how about they get started working on the new Mary branch or the Manchaca branch for that matter instead of refurbishing an old facility that won’t be there that long anyway? Seriously, is anyone else kind of scratching their head about the logic of all this? Even the librarians don’t seem that enthused about this project. What about all the school kids who are out of school all summer? Is it really a good idea to close down one of the only other free sources of books? There are folks who rely on local access to the Internet and others who really benefit from a quick trip to the library on the way to HEB or just to get out of the heat. It goes against my sensibilities to see a library close down for so long. Especially when the purpose is for interior design instead of getting new books and tapes and DVDs and computers. They need a few thousand more books. Forget the carpet!
Kate Walker
