Residents have their say on new library
With the talk of a new public library in North Fort Myers building steam, residents are beginning to talk about what such a library should do for the community.
On Wednesday, more than 60 residents and county and library officials met at the community center to discuss how best a new library could serve the community.
When all was said and done, technological needs and accessibility to the community were at the top of most people’s lists.
The meeting was put on by the North Fort Myers Library Task Force in lieu of a formal study, which the city of Bonita Springs did at a cost of $49,000.
Linda Yorde, president of the Friends of the North Fort Myers Public Library, said that was a waste of money. Instead she called a town hall meeting to get the same type of input .
“We thought we could get the same amount of information and provide it to the county at no cost to the county,” Yorde said. “We have inadequate parking. Our technology is not available to us for high-speed internet or e-books and things like that.”
The residents were split into six groups, and for 15 minutes brainstormed about what a new library would need. They then spent another 15 minutes prioritizing their lists before presenting them.
Among the top item was the need for more computers, as evidenced by the several computers that are currently placed in the community center, and better technology to allow for better internet services and the availability of e-books and other things.
They also discussed accessibility in regards to location, parking and bus routes to take people there.
Other suggestions ran the gamut from more classes and programs to be housed in a large meeting room that can be separated, to separate children’s and adult areas. There was even talk about putting in a coffee shop and Sunday hours.
Organizers and officials attending the meeting were happy so many turned out for an important meeting, for a change.
“It’s nice that people are concerned about what goes in their community. Parking stinks at the current library as does the internet access so I’m glad that was addressed,” Al Giacalone, president of the North Fort Myers Chamber of Commerce, said. “I’m also glad to hear that someone wanted a coffee shop because that was my thought, too.”
“I’m pleased that many questions came up and a lot of the issues came out. My issue is location because we’re looking for pedestrians and bus service,” said Civic Association president Gregg Makepeace.
Also in attendance to observe the proceedings were County Commissioner Brian Hamman, Assistant County Manager Chris Brady and Lee County Library System Administrator Sheldon Kaye.
The library is a done deal, with the possibility of the North Fort Myers and Bonita Springs libraries being built at the same time. Funding for the library comes through a county tax where money has come in quicker than anticipated.
The 25,000-square-foot facility will cost roughly $12.5 million. North Fort Myers currently has one of the smallest libraries in Lee County.