Support of Winfield library referendum

I appreciate the opportunity to express my opinion on the Winfield library referendum. In short, please vote "yes."

We are lucky to have a very nice library that has always been managed responsibly. When the library was built in 1981 a conservative approach was taken. The lower level wasn't even finished for a few years when it was really needed. That has been the philosophy - do work as it is needed.

So now the currently requested changes are needed. Handicapped accessibility is the law for new buildings. Even if it were not the law, wouldn't we want the handicapped of our community to be able to make full use of our library? The plan that has been proposed is once again a very conservative plan.

Basically it is this: 1. An elevator and washrooms to accommodate the disabled of our community. 2. A 15' X 43' space on two floors to address the serious shortage of space. 3. A new entrance on the lower level.

Again, the plan is conservative. It addresses immediate needs. It could be much grander to allow for growth in the future, but again the library board has opted to ask for just what is needed now, which is important in this economic environment. This is not a "tear down and start over" proposal.

It is a well thought out plan for what is essential now. Please give the library referendum a "yes" vote. We have an attractive building, a great staff, reading programs for all ages and a very busy community room. For minimal cost we can allow progress to take place.

Martha Ingram

Winfield