Nancy Van Erp, Sartell
Can we move city hall to the community center and use the vacated space for the library? The current chambers can be used for council meetings and the remainder of the space can be reconfigured as a library (or the start of a library if an expansion is required). The Great River Regional Library system will likely flex with us on square footage while we figure out the expansion if needed. If that won’t work, can we brainstorm other creative solutions before it’s too late, or are we going to settle for a pseudo-library instead?
Sartell residents have never been the type to settle. Consequently, we enjoy a city with great parks, trails, schools and neighborhoods. Yet, as we sit on the cusp of an opportunity to create a library, it seems we’re about to settle for a small kiosk or book corner that doesn’t promise any of the greatness of a real (GRRL) library. We refuse to discuss the issue until after construction of the community center begins, which will be too late to plan for or fund anything meaningful.
Why would we settle for a pseudo-library? Surely our city leaders understand a pseudo-library will never have the impact of a full-fledged library with its insightful staff, wealth of programming, opportunities to engage with visiting artists and thought-leaders, and a wide breadth of print and digital media. If council members can justify the creation of redundant spaces like gyms (which will be fee-based and used only by a small part of our population), surely they can support the creation of a space that doesn’t already exist in Sartell and can meet the needs of all, be accessed by all and is free to all.
This is our last chance to make our desire for a real library known. Advocate for your community by writing a letter to the editor or contacting your council members via phone/email to remind them you voted for a full branch of the Great River Regional Library system, not a mere sliver of a library experience. Send them a creative solution or let them know you expect a library that matches the greatness and potential of our city. Explain to them why a library is just as important to our wellness and greatness as additional gym space. Encourage them to think critically and creatively and tell them there’s never been a more important time NOT to settle.