2012.02.08
Editorial: Neighborhood libraries
Roanoke libraries write a new chapter
A new library plan for Roanoke enters circulation and will offer patrons more of what they want: neighborhood spaces and programs.
Once upon a few years past, Roanoke City Council worked through the script of the library master plan.
It plodded along the chapters, investing in the Jackson Park and Gainsboro branches, opening e-libraries at Valley View Mall and Garden City. Next up, the climax: a splashy super library branch — one sure to rival the one then under construction in Roanoke County. The big idea came with a big price — $775,000 to purchase the land along Peters Creek Road, another $14 million or so to build it.
I think this is a great idea…people do want libraries close to their home. Roanoke County made a major boo-boo by not keeping a branch open on 419. As noted in a recent article, “the circulation and number of visits at the Raleigh Court branch has grown precipitously since the new South County super branch opened near Penn Forest Elementary School.” Yup, can’t get near the Raleigh Court parking lot now. I’d love to see some statistics on the circulation & visitor numbers of the “super branch” in a couple of months.
Comment by Elena — February 8, 2012 @ 8:54 am
I agree with you Elena. I’m not driving to the County’s superbranch (although I loved the 419 library). I won’t go downtown because of the homeless people (I didn’t feel safe bringing my daughter). Raleigh Court is too small without a lot of extras. Raleigh court could be expanded (maybe to the empty building near the co-op further down Grandin? Add more computers, a gaming room for teens? That would keep them off the street!
Comment by lisa2 — February 8, 2012 @ 9:41 am
@lisa2:
I’m the reporter who wrote the news story (not the editorial) that ran yesterday about the libraries. Here’s what the city library staff is proposing for Raleigh Court:
“$3.2 million to renovate and expand the Raleigh Court branch … City officials want to replace the roof and expand the Raleigh Court branch from 6,070 square feet to 10,960 square feet by expanding the children’s center and computer facilities and adding a teen center, community room and tutoring rooms.”
I think their plan is to build an addition on the current building, not to expand down the street.
– Mason Adams
Comment by Mason Adams — February 8, 2012 @ 11:20 am
The county library lost my business when they move to Penn Forest…it is simply too far out of the way to be practical.
Expanding the Raleigh Court branch would be excellent!
Comment by Michael — February 8, 2012 @ 11:27 am