Aurora West Branch library fans make it clear: They don't trust the board
Supporters of the West Branch of the Aurora Public Library made it clear this week they oppose any effort to move it out of its home at 233 S. Constitution Drive.
And some reiterated they don't trust the library board to be truthful.
"We are tired of being lied to and ignored, and we are continuing to spread the word to the community, and we will find out the real reason" for the proposal, resident Barb Buzzard said.
More than 50 people attended a library board meeting Wednesday, applauding speakers who criticized the board.
"Sounds like they made up their minds," whispered one woman, as board member Jeff Butler wrapped up a presentation on the history and use of the West Branch and why the board is considering moving it to a rented space.
Butler acknowledged the opponents' accusation that the board discussed the idea behind closed doors long before announcing it publicly.
Resident James Buzzard said that when he asked board President John Savage on Sept. 25 about rumors the library was selling the building, "John Savage replied, 'Nothing is scheduled and the board is not having that discussion.'"
But minutes from a closed-door session, released by the board Wednesday, showed it talked about the idea of selling it in January. The minutes say library workers suggested moving into the West Aurora Plaza shopping center on Galena Boulevard and board member Andrew Smith agreed to contact the center's owners.
On Oct. 16, Savage, Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin and West Aurora District 129 Superintendent Jeff Craig announced the idea at a news conference. They outlined a plan where the library would sell its building, which is attached to Washington Middle School, to the school district, which already owns the land.
The library would move to rented space on Galena and the school district would sell the soon-to-be-vacant Todd Early Learning Center building to the city.
Library officials contend that in a smaller rented space they could provide services more efficiently, including increasing hours of operation and offering more parking. They say more people would use the West Branch if it is on a busier street and closer to public transportation.
James Buzzard disagreed.
"Nobody believes a smaller library in a strip mall, with fewer employees, will provide better service," he said.
Several speakers said if the library board really wants to improve service, it should add hours at the branch. The West Branch is open 53 hours a week; the downtown Santori Library is open 64 hours and the Eola branch is open 66 hours.
Butler cited figures showing the West Branch accounts for about 10 percent of circulation and 13 percent of visits.
The board will have two more "listening sessions" at 10 a.m. Dec. 3 and 2 p.m. Jan. 13 at the West Branch.
Sixty-three people have applied to serve on a committee that will discuss library services for the west side of Aurora. Eight were chosen, but their names were not released.
"Going forward, we are committed to saying we will make a decision in open session," Butler said. "We heard you loud and clear. We will do it in open session."
Under the state's Open Meetings Act, public boards cannot vote in closed session.