file photo by ArtChick
January 27,2017
the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, as previously reported on this blog Nancy Green gave a presentation about plans for remodeling the library. Basically, she presented a wish-and-hope plan, which included some architectural drawings. She stated that they will work within the existing footprint……although there was a quick mention of “squaring off” the empty space on the northwest corner of the building along the walkway from Maple Avenue (behind the auditorium). Tiered seating in the auditorium was discussed as a possibility. Nothing will happen without approval from the Council. She says this is all very preliminary, but clearly, a lot of work has gone into this very preliminary presentation.
Sounds like we have heard all this before,“Ms. Greene described the five-year planning process conducted by the Library, which included the development of a Strategic Plan with consultant Alan Gray of Darien Library, and a Building Program with consultant Leslie Burger of Princeton Library.” Do you think that hiring two consultants who gave their presentation at the
Readers seem to fall into “NO LIBRARY EXPANSION. Board has too much money to play with and can’t stop delusions of grandeur. Buy a new outfit for a big opening somewhere else. Stop charging a fortune for DVDs. At least the old ones should be free.” category.
Readers suggest, “If the plea is “We already spent a ton of money, so we have to spend more,” I recommend the following reply by the Council: “Your bad. Cut your losses.” Spending $5 million to create a performing arts center with no parking while reducing the number of books in the library would be as appalling in the current financial situation as Christie’s plan to spend $300 million upgrading the State House while state pension plans, infrastructure, and much more are in desperate need and our credit rating sinks and sinks. NO to library upgrade. Replace the board and stop charging a fortune for DVDs and so on.”
