seeks public input on its future For more than two years, the Parma Public Library Board has been talking about the possibility of expanding the library, located at 7 West Avenue in the heart of Hilton village. Now they are turning to village and town residents to ask, "Is expansion good enough?" Sue Henderson, head librarian, said the expansion discussion first began at an informal meeting with the town board in September 2000. At that time, some members of the town board did not support the idea that was presented by the library board. The original plan as drawn up by an architectural firm called for expansion to the east. This would result in the need to eliminate the current doctor's office next door and some houses on Mariah Street. After some further discussions, the movement to expand the library ceased, not out of resistance to the proposed changes, but more because outside the members of the library board there was not a prevailing feeling that the library needed to expand. "It kind of died due to lack of enthusiasm," said Henderson. Now the library board plans to take a different approach as it prepares to talk with the village board. The library board is soliciting as much public opinion on the issue as possible. It is also opening up the discussion to all options for the library, including moving it to a new location in the village, or even outside the village. "They are trying to make sure that they do this right for the future of the library," said Henderson. "They're talking to the village first because, for most people, the village is the first option." The Parma Public Library is one of Monroe County's oldest libraries dating back to 1885. At that time it was a 100-piece collection housed in a drugstore owned by S. Holeman. The collection was sold at public auction to O.P. Curtis who began a loan library in 1893. It wasn't until 1968 that the library became the financial responsibility of the Town of Parma and opened up services to both town and village residents and neighboring communities. A large portion of the library's materials was lost in the historic fire of 1965 and the library was forced to relocate temporarily to the West Avenue School and then to Main Street before moving into its current home in 1977. The 8,000 square feet facility was built to house about 40,000 items. Today it is home to nearly 90,000 items. With about 19,000-20,000 items borrowed a month, the Parma Library is considered to be a medium sized library for Monroe County. Henderson, who has been with the library for 30 years, said the library is becoming more cramped for space each day because works now come in many different formats. The popularity of books on tape, DVD and CD-ROM pose a serious challenge to the current facility. Henderson also said a larger facility could allow more community groups to use the library as a meeting place. Depending on what types of services the public would like the library to offer, expanding the current facility may not be the best viable option. "I want it to stay here in my heart," said Henderson, adding that the central location allows the schools to easily access the library. "But I also know that it might not be the best option." Library Board Members - Lola Rae Heinrich, president; Mari Crumb, vice-president; Elsie Webster, secretary; Tom Younker; Donald Foster; Ken Blackburn, liaison, Parma Town Board. |
