Library plan affront to Lombard's history

I commend the very well intended folks who have invested so much time and effort working to pass a referendum for a new, expanded library because resident involvement in local government is vital to making our village a desirable place to live.

That has been demonstrated by the many other equally amazing, hardworking Lombardians, both present and past, who brought about many fine elements that we take for granted today, one being the Henderson Plaza, which was donated to honor important Lombardians of days gone by. Such contributions and the achievements of those who have gone before us warrant consideration of all who follow, yet neither it nor the more recent plantings donated by Lombard Garden Club appear to have any place in this plan.

The part of the endeavor that is even more difficult to understand is that no matter how beautiful and technologically perfect a new library building might be, it is indisputably Lilacia Park's historic, internationally famous botanical lilac collection that distinguishes Lombard from all other suburbs, attracts thousands of visitors and their revenue, and has put us on the world stage for over 100 years.

To unnecessarily cannibalize the park land and "only a few" lilacs, some of which may be irreplaceable, for the sake of creating an interior panoramic view that benefits no one except library patrons and staff is a completely narcissistic, extravagant aspect of the plan.

Whether or not the referendum passes, no matter how well intended its supporters may be, designers should be sent back to the drawing board to develop a much less self-serving option constructed within existing perimeters and which does not affront our village history or those who have helped to create it.

Marymae Meyer

Lombard