Even though I’m a strong supporter of libraries, I’ve been very conflicted about this referendum. In fact, I wrote up a whole post on why you should vote “no,” but in the process I changed my mind.

Since I do a lot of research at the Peoria Public Library, I know how good our library system is, how knowledgeable the librarians are, and how much in need of updating some of the facilities are. But voters are being asked to approve giving the library $35 million so it can put this plan into effect. That plan is a mixed bag, which is why it was hard for me to come down on one side or the other.

On the positive side, I like the fact that it deals with the whole system — it’s a balanced approach to improving library service. The north side doesn’t get a new branch at the expense of the south side. All service areas get enhanced and expanded (south, central, and north). Even though the small South Side branch would be closed, the Lincoln Branch would be greatly expanded. I like that the downtown branch will remain the flagship to serve the whole Peoria area.

Nevertheless, I have a couple of reservations about the plan:

• I appreciate that they are trying to keep personnel costs down — it’s good to be conscientious about the biggest library expense: staff. But I think they’re testing our common sense when they say, “A new, revitalized Main Street Branch will be able to offer better service with a smaller staff.” I highly doubt that. I understand the premise that having an open floor plan will require fewer staff to monitor each floor. But I fail to see how reducing staff and giving the remaining librarians more responsibility is going to make them either more efficient or able to provide better service.
• Another reservation I have is the size of the north branch. I don’t see how they can justify the 35,000 square feet they’re proposing. A more modestly-sized branch that could be expanded in the future would be more reasonable. This would also bring down the $35 million pricetag.

Actually, there’s one other thing that bothers me, and that’s a matter of priorities. Libraries are fundamentally important, and I consider them an essential service for the city. But not all essential services are created equal. Police and fire protection are more important than libraries. By and large, the same council people who are enthusiastically endorsing this tax increase for libraries are the same council people who wouldn’t even consider a tax increase to fully staff fire station 11 or add more police. It was their fear of raising property taxes that resulted in the dreaded “garbage fee” being instituted. If the council is now willing to raise taxes, then their first priority should be to see that our fire stations and police force are adequately staffed and funded. Then they can provide funding for the library.

That said, the library is worthy of the funding, which is why I’m endorsing this referendum.