Is it possible the 12 libraries could be condensed into 5 or 6? Omaha's a big city, and it sprawls, but with 5 or 6 everyone would be within 15-20 minutes of a location. If those libraries could be more complete locations than currently (say, twice the books, magazines, computers, etc.), wouldn't that be good? You could see a smaller group of main libraries become hubs -- maybe you take the bus there, & there's a library, grocery store, YMCA, etc. It's almost like that at Millard location now (those 3 things are about 5 minutes apart by foot). If we had libraries in downtown, north O, south O, SW, NW, & central omaha (72nd?), I think everyone would have enough access. Libraries are great for communities. Let's keep them great by making sure they stay useful & vibrant. In addition to closing some of the less used large-scale libraries, I think the "small neighborhood library" could exist in a sense. If there were significant savings in cutting to 5-6 main library locations, perhaps 8-12 satellite libraries could exist, centered on magazines/newspapers Maybe the goal would be to have everyone have some sort of location within 3-5 miles of their residence -- major location or satellite. Thoughts? |
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