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ARDEN HILLS CITY COUNCIL WORK SESSION—MAY 10,1-=201 0 2 2.A Arden Hills Library Discussion Beverly Apilkowski, Library Board Member, stated that in order to keep a library feasible within the community it would need to be paired with another activity. This has been the focus over the past several years. The Arden Hills site does require a great deal of maintenance at this time. Ms. Apilkowski indicated several members on the Board feel that four large libraries was sufficient while others would like to maintain the smaller libraries as each serves a valuable purpose within the community. Mayor Harpstead noted the Library Board is assuming that four large libraries are more efficient and effective. He did not agree with this assumption and wondered if the community value for the - Arden Hills Library was understood by Ramsey County. A better structural organization could be maintained for the space to create better efficiencies for the Library Board. - Ms. Apilkowski stated she felt the smaller libraries played a huge role in the neighborhood communities. There was a big push to make computers more accessible to users. With the addition of these services at the Arden Hills Library the book selection was now cramped. This was leading the Library Board to seek a new location. Councilmember Grant asked if people were willing to drive to the larger libraries on a regular g g basis or if the neighborhood library was a bigger draw. Ms. Apilkowski indicated this has been discussed and that students completing reports will drive to the larger libraries. Families with children, people on bicycle, or elderly often times will use the smaller libraries. She reported that the Roseville Library was the most visited library in the State. Councilmember Holden understood the Arden Hills Library needed maintenance, but felt it would not benefit the library system by eliminating this branch. Councilmember Grant indicated maintenance has been deferred on the Arden Hills building. He noted the current size was another concern. Councilmember McClung explained the Library Board's strategic plan was to eliminate the small libraries and direct traffic to the large libraries. Ms. Apilkowski noted the original discussions from the Library Board were to close one small facility. First it was going to be Arden Hills and then Mounds View due to the low usage. Discussion ensued around these topics and the Library Board wanted to push traffic into the larger libraries that are opened longer hours. However, after hearing from the community, the Librar y Board is seeing a need for small community libraries. Ms. Apilkowski explained that funds are being cut and the Board had to decide how to utilize dollars available. Councilmember McClung questioned where the proposed site in New Brighton was. Councilmember Holmes explained the proposed library site in New Brighton would be in the community center on the first floor, in the Charter School space.