The Jewel of Our Community

Abstract

At the Monroe County Public Library we were out of space to conduct library business. Lengthy lines at check out, boxes under desks, double-decked book stacks, and installation of extra shelves meant fewer chairs than ever. Browsing was almost impossible at certain times of the day and week. In the midst of diminishing space, our Friends of the Library held a very popular book sale every week. Parking the bookmobile, and loading and unloading it, was difficult at best. Quiet space for anyone, including staff, was non-existent. Public use of meeting space was so constant that scheduling a room for trustee meetings was tough. Handicap accessability, a priority issue, had to be addressed far more fully that it had been. We had a leaking flat room problem, and parking was at a premium.