Only one option in Geneva: New library

"I ransack public libraries and find them full of sunk[en] treasure." Given the number of times I've come across literary chests of gold in the Geneva Public Library, I could have said that. Unfortunately, British novelist Virginia Woolf beat me to it.

I love browsing the "Newly Arrived" hardbacks and paperbacks, recorded books, music CDs and DVDs. Our library is also the best place for past books, movies and music to revisit or meet the first time.

Given the mountain of new material created daily, however, Geneva's library can no longer give its patrons what they deserve. Lacking space, essential works get jettisoned; imagine Noah's dilemma if his ark sprang a leak and began sinking: which species to jettison?

The question is, do we build a new library on the Sixth Street site the library board recently purchased, or let the present building suffer in its geriatric state?

Further costly renovations won't work due to infrastructure issues. And, because landlocked, building out is not an option. Operational costs due to age and layout are astronomical.

The new site will offer more parking, storage, technology, and meeting rooms. We'll enjoy drive-up drop-off, eating areas, teen spaces, and much more.

You may object, thinking many books and reference materials can be accessed online. Look, a library is more than a storage facility. Genevans go to their library in droves. Last year, 3,458 joined reading clubs; 24,000 participated in programs; computer logins topped 15,000; over 600,000 items were checked out; monthly visits averaged 22,000; of some 22,000 residents, nearly 17,000 own library cards.

When checking out a new district, besides its schools and doggie runs, prospective residents find its library mirrors the community. We can look better.

Or we'll continue wasting tax dollars to keep our relic from literally falling apart.

Rick Holinger

Geneva