Table of Contents:
This is a critical time for the Town of Irondequoit. One of the challenges facing our town is the lack of adequate facilities for our libraries and community services, including those for senior citizens. There is no one facility where residents can gather for activities, meetings or classes. Even after great community input, the last two community center proposals stalled and never came up for a vote.
We believe that the residents of Irondequoit must get past the differences that divide us and unify in support of a plan that improves services and facilities for all Irondequoit residents. In this spirit, a group of residents representing key constituencies and stakeholders came together to consider the need for improved town facilities, and we now present this proposal to the Irondequoit Town Board.
We believe that the Town government should address the needs of the libraries, community center and senior services with a comprehensive plan rather than separate plans. We believe that a Consolidated Community Center that includes a consolidated library and senior services as well as other community services and facilities in a common location is the best solution for the Town.
A Consolidated Community Center will unify Irondequoit and enhance our sense of community. It has the potential to catalyze the revitalization of Irondequoit. We urge Supervisor Heyman and the Town Board to begin work on this proposal immediately and we encourage the community to get behind it.
This proposal was discussed, written and signed by the following people as individuals or on on behalf of their organizations or groups:
At the Irondequoit Public Library our focus has always been on improving library services. If one examines the facilities, hours, collections, equipment and services of our libraries and compares them with the other town libraries around the county it quickly becomes apparent there is a big gap. Despite the fact that we are the second largest town in the county, many other town libraries far surpass what is offered in Irondequoit. That gap is growing. The county's former number one library has fallen behind, way behind.
We need to be open more hours and have larger collections. We need much more space and equipment to deliver the services our customers demand and often travel to other towns to obtain. Almost 20% of all library use by Irondequoit residents is now done outside of Irondequoit. This number grows every year. The results of numerous studies indicate that we cannot deliver the required services with the buildings we have with or without cosmetic upgrades. These studies also showed that adding a few thousand square feet to the current buldings is inadequate, and the current facilities could not be expanded sufficiently to meet our space requirement. We need major upgrades in space and amenities to solve our problems.
Cost, especially these days, is a key factor for us, but there is more to the cost question than the price tag on renovated structures or new structures. The annual cost of operating the library is also important. Duplicating two full-service branches less than 3 miles apart is inherently inefficient. Believe me, officials in other towns laugh at the idea. Any responsible elected official would have to think long and hard about saddling the town with such an inefficient system long into the future.
We know that some residents will want to keep the two library structure that we have in Irondequoit. This is understandable because we have lived with and used this system, and change is difficult. But to stay with our current libraries we will have to agree that Irondequiot residents do not need, want or deserve the same materials and services that are available in other towns. I do not accept this conclusion and I do not think the residents of Irondequoit will accept it either.
A proposal has been made to the town to develop a centrally located community center with a consolidated library. This concept offers us a great opportunity to have the type of library facilities that the town needs but with smaller requirements for space than have been recommended for a free-standing library. This is because the community center and the library could share some facilities. Operating costs should also be reduced. But most important, combining the library with a community center will bring many more residents to the library to take advantage of our services. This will be a winning combination for Irondequoit.
Our goal here has never been just to get a new building. Our goal is to cost effectively improve and expand library services so Irondequoit residents don't have to leave town to experience an excellent modern public library. Right now, unfortunately, that is what they must do. We understand the benefits that can result from being in the same location as a community center and the synergy that can result. The agencies involved in such a design can work together to provide services never before possible. This is a very exciting prospect. We support that vision.
Terry Buford,
Director, Irondequoit Public Library