WHY: A NEW LAKESIDE LIBRARY FACT SHEET
FREQUENT QUESTIONS/PERCEPTIONS
Q: WHY DO WE NEED A NEW LIBRARY?
A: We need increased space for more books, DVD’s and computer stations. We also need a community room for library programs and community meetings as well as quiet rooms for study and reading.
Q: WHY DID THE COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS APPROPRIATE $125,000 FOR SITE SEARCH AND EVALUATION FOR A NEW LIBRARY IN LAKESIDE?
A: They recognize the need for a larger library in order to meet community needs as they have done in Ramona, Julian, Poway and Alpine.
Q: WHY DON’T THEY ENLARGE THE EXISTING BUILDING?
A: There is not room for the needed expansion. County Library administration feels that Lakeside needs and deserves a much larger facility, possibly three times as the existing building.
Q: WHO PAYS FOR THE BUILDING? WILL IT INCREASE MY TAXES?
A: San Diego County pays for the building. No, there is no special assessment for the library.
Q: HOW MUCH MONEY DO THE LAKESIDE FRIENDS OF THE LIBRARY NEED TO RAISE?
A: Our goal is to raise $200,000 towards additional equipment/items that the County will not include with construction. This amount is also for current and future programming in addition to equipment and other items necessary for our library.
Q: WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE FURNITURE, EQUIPMENT AND FIXTURES CURRENTLY IN USE?
A: They may be utilized in the new library depending on the concept and design of the new library and the condition of the current furnishings and fixtures. If they are not used in the new library, they may be utilized by another branch of the San Diego County Library.
Q: WHAT HAPPENS TO THE EXISTING BUILDING WHEN THE NEW LIBRARY IS BUILT?
A: The future of the existing building will be determined by Parks & Recreation, who own the land where the building is located.
Q: IF A NEW LIBRARY IS BUILT, SHOULDN’T IT BE SOMEWHERE AROUND THE LAKE?
A: The only available space is the East Basin, which is a wild-life protected area.
Q: HOW MANY PEOPLE IN THE LAST FISCAL YEAR USED THE LIBRARY?
A: Our library had thousands of people visiting and utilizing our resources. It held 938 programs which were attended by 18,748 people. The book and video circulation alone was 289,556 items!
Q: WHY DON’T PEOPLE USE THEIR HOME COMPUTERS?
A: Many of the people who use the Internet computers are seniors and students who do not have a computer. Internet computers are always in demand and often there is an hour or longer wait to use them.
Q: WILL THE NEW LIBRARY HAVE A COMMUNITY ROOM THAT CAN BE USED FOR MEETINGS?
A: It has been County policy to have a community room in new libraries. The existing branch is not large enough for current and potential programs. This new space can be used for classes and activities that the library offers to the community as well as a meeting space for local organizations and businesses.
Q: WILL THERE BE CHARGE TO USE THE COMMUNITY ROOM?
A: Policy in other branches is that non-profit groups use it for free while others pay a fee. Fees charged are determined by the San Diego County Library.
Q: HOW LONG BEFORE THE NEW LIBRARY IS BUILT AND OPEN FOR BUSINESS?
A: Projections are that a project of this nature could take 3-5 years for the funding to be approved, land acquired, architects hired, plans drawn, the construction put to bid and awarded and the construction completed.
Q: WHY DO WE EVEN NEED A LIBRARY IN THIS DIGITAL AGE?
A: While many people feel that they can find the answers they need on their Smart Phone, IPad, etc., information is often from questionable sources. Technical and medical information, especially the up-to-date, cutting edge research is available through paid subscription sources that the library has available. Many people enjoy holding a book in their hands as they read. Programs provide a learning experience and a chance for socialization.
Q: WHY CAN’T CHILDREN USE THEIR SCHOOL LIBRARIES?
A: School libraries have extremely limited access hours and staffing to meet the needs of children. School libraries are never accessible during vacations when children need them the most. When school budgets are tight, librarians’ hours are reduced or eliminated, and the book collection becomes outdated and in poor condition.
Q: HOW CAN I CONTRIBUTE TO THE FUND FOR FURNITURE & EQUIPMENT?
A: You may write a check designated to the “new library” and send it to:
Lakeside Friends of the Library 9839 Vine St. Lakeside CA 92040 OR
Your check can be deposited in the wooden box near the Friends book sale shelves.
Q: WHAT ELSE CAN I DO?
A: You can become a member of the Lakeside Friends of the Library.
ANNUAL: Senior (65+): $10 Individual: $15 Family: $25 Corporate: $75 LIFETIME: $150 + FREE T-SHIRT
Contact:
The Lakeside Library
9839 Vine St.
Lakeside, CA 92040
619-443-1811
OR
Lakeside Friends of the Library
(619) 631-5614 or Email Us
https://www.facebook.com/lakesidecafriends