Over the weekend fellow council member Mike Thomas ran a poll on We Are Forney asking simply how much people use our current “public” library. It’s no secret that I would like to build a new public library where the current Booker T. Washington building sits near downtown. The library would become Booker T. Washington Memorial Library. Not only would this new library memorialize Booker T. Washington the man, but also the history of the school, as well as the men and women who attended the school right here in Forney. However, I want to bring a new library to Forney that serves the needs of all of our citizens, a library our citizens would use and desire to visit on a regular basis. Many ideas and questions were raised in Councilman Thomas’ post. Many that I have also questioned and thought long and hard about. I think the feedback in that thread really shows what this city lacks and needs in a library. It all comes down to one question, what is a library today?
Lets start with what our current library is. I know the library staff does a great job with what they have to work with and I know our library board really cares about our library and it’s future. However, beyond being a safety issue for the students at FHS, our library no longer serves the needs of the public. Current numbers show that approximately 60-65 people from the public visit our library everyday and the city wants to continue to serve those citizens through our current library. However, it’s my belief that the city of Forney is in need of an updated, modern library. Technology and public interest have changed how libraries serve the public over the years and modern libraries look much different than what we currently provide in Forney. Physically our current library is no different than what you would see at most high schools. Coincidentally, that’s exactly where it’s located. Modern public libraries provide more books, more technology, additional programs for kids and adults, and so much more.
I’ve put much thought and research into what makes a great modern library over the past year and how a municipality can provide those services with the least amount of burden to a a city budget. Libraries aren’t just buildings with books lining the walls, tables and chairs, a couple handfuls of computers, a few meeting rooms, and some programs for kids any longer. An interesting comment that came up in the post mentioned above was that a few visitors experienced the volume inside the library being louder than desired. It’s true, a library needs it’s quiet spaces, but it also needs areas for open collaboration with quick access to the books and other technology a modern library provides. Part of that flexibility should include flexible furniture that can be easily moved and combined for groups of different sizes.
One of the more modern aspects of libraries that should be included are maker spaces. These spaces can include many different concepts but a few to consider are audio visual editing spaces, podcast creation and editing, 3D printing, photography and graphical editing, web design, sewing, gaming, and much more. On top of that, I think the location of the Booker T. Washington Memorial Library brings about opportunities for a public library in Forney. With the city’s plans to extend downtown to the very intersection the current Booker T. Washington building sits, it can serve local businesses and residents, as well as compliment our downtown. I envision Booker T. Washington Memorial Library in a Victorian design just like Victorian Village will be across the street. I picture the library being two story, offering printing and copying services, perhaps shipping services, a coffee shop, and office and conference rental space on the top level for local businesses, similar to a WeWork or Hana by CBRE concept. I also envision a porch area surrounding the building with outside seating for gathering or outside reading. There might also be an opportunity for a gathering and event area under trees in a small courtyard. In order to provide the proper services for these spaces you need the latest computer technology, software, ebooks, tablets, and machines. On top of that, the latest in interior design and furniture must be included. This will all open up a space for all of our citizens, businesses, realtors, homeschool groups, etc to utilize for work, study, research, meetings, programs, and much more.
I know, it sounds expensive right? Perhaps, but grants, sponsors, and community involvement can offset costs. My goal is not to build a Taj Mahal of a library but one that is visually attractive inside and out, provides proper and desirable services to the public, compliments our downtown, serves the community for decades to come, and is fiscally responsible. Ultimately, the construction of a new library would require a bond. The great thing about a bond is you the citizen can decide if a new modern public library is worth it. I believe it is and I believe Forney can be a leading example for what libraries are today.