Time for New Thinking
on the Novi Public Library

June 23, 2006

It is time to reconsider the proposed expansion of the Novi Public Library. 

I propose that those involved in planning for a new library start with a blank piece of paper and a new attitude. They need to open their minds and ears to new ideas from residents, elected officials and experts on architecture and library design. 

The members of our community are the service population of our library and their needs affect the design and planning of our public library spaces. Those needs have not been a big enough part of the proposed library expansion planning process.

I suggest the following should be part of planning process and discussion: 

1)  The location of the library in front of Novi High School is unacceptable. Please provide me and example of a large suburban high school that has its main entrance obstructed by an aging building and parking lots. Name just one!!

2)  Expansion of the current library directly in front the High School is unthinkable. The old Library needs to be torn down and a deal worked out with the Novi School District to acquire that property. We are very proud of our newly renovated High School and nothing should obstruct it from full view. The cash generated from the sale of that property can be used to purchase the land necessary to build the new library facility. Perhaps the School Board would consider exchanging the current library site for a part of the Bosco property. They certainly don’t need all the Bosco land for a future elementary school and they would be doing a service to the entire community.

3)  A new library needs to be built that is so striking, so revolutionary, so odd and so lovely that one struggles to find a metaphor to explain it. It will help define our community for the next 50 years.  Perhaps a part of the city-owned Landings Property on Walled Lake could be considered. It would not result in a reduction of property taxes and the balance of the land could be converted a treasured city park.

4)  Development in the building sciences has pointed to the need to refocus on programming, designing, constructing, and operating facilities that function well, while at the same time incorporating new technologies, and creatively meeting other design objectives such as sustainability, accessibility, safety, energy, and environmental (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®).

5)  Computer technology continues to affect the way libraries function and, as a result, the way they are planned and designed. As a result, the electric and wiring needs of modern-day public libraries must accommodate changing technology.

6)  Consideration needs to be given to using wireless communications technologies to allow library staff members to roam through the stacks and reader seating, without being bound to a reference desk, the better to provide support to patrons at the point of contact.

7)  Our public library serves the needs of a large population of elderly people and should consider include design criteria to meet their needs, i.e., easy access into the building, adequate lighting, large-print media, etc.

8)  Serving children of all ages through eighth grade, a large attractively decorated Children’s Center would offer a warm and inviting place to explore the collection of materials for children and their families.

9)  Our new public library should incorporate meeting space for library- and community- sponsored meetings or events. Meeting rooms also serve as staff or library patron training space. Depending on the library's function as determined in the library program, Internet connections and other two-way communication system outlets may be necessary.  A large number of meeting rooms used by the community would draw more potential library users to the new facility.

10) Consideration needs to be given to a District or Regional library. Walled Lake, Wixom and other local communities should be contacted as to their interest. This would help spread the burden for building and operating a new library.

11) Consideration should be given to incorporating a Senior Center into the library facility. The land adjoining the current Senior Center at Meadowbrook and Grand River would be ideal for that purpose.

These are just a few of many potential ideas from an impartial observer. This community deserves and needs a new library. The size and scope of that building should reflect the community needs and desires. Plans to expand the existing library at its current location should be dumped immediately. A new plan needs to be developed and presented that inspires the community to action. Until that happens, there will be no millage approval, regardless of when it appears on the ballot..

The NoviTalk.org website was recently mentioned in a Detroit Free Press article regarding "urblogs". A photo of blog founders Will Mena and myself was published with the article. The website has had a recent facelift including a new logo and functionality. If you have had trouble registering to make comments in the past, that problem has been fixed.

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In the tradition of Ben Franklin, the Novi Post provides informed political commentary on current events in Novi, Oakland County and all of Michigan.