Tell Us What You Think!
October 27, 2006
The Ferndale Library is bursting at the seams. Students using computers to do homework are bumped off because others are waiting in line, and 30 parking spaces fill up quickly when 600 people a day visit the library. It’s no wonder the library is busy; the community makes great use of it. Meeting room space is used by 59 different groups including the Boy Scouts, support groups, moms’ groups, the Literacy Council, and tutors. Space isn’t the only building concern: safety and security are issues in and around the library.
It has become apparent to Whatcom County Library System that Ferndale Library is not serving the community the way it could: it is just too crowded. The Ferndale community has also recognized this, and included the library in the Ferndale visioning discussion.
An anonymous donor understood the community’s needs and pledged $1 million dollars to the Whatcom Community Foundation to help the Ferndale Library. Now it is time to figure out what changes in the library are a priority.
The library belongs to everyone who uses it. Whatcom County Library System wants to know what you need in a library. The Ferndale City Council has authorized a needs assessment, and this blog is one of the tools we are using to gather feedback and keep you up to date with the planning process.
What kind of a library environment does Ferndale need? More computers? Study spaces? More meeting rooms? Space for children’s programs? More parking? Please let us know what ideas you have on how the library can support you. After you share necessities, we would also like to know what your ideal library would be like. Would there be a fireplace? A homework center? A coffee shop? Take us on a tour of your dream library!
November 4, 2006 at 1:54 pm
I would prefer to see the library site remain where it is. It seems to me that much more efficient use could be made of the existing area available for parking and that the facility could be remodeled (perhaps a second floor?)to provide more space for stacks, meeting rooms, etc. The current location is extremely convenient for the majority of citizens, being fairly centrally located, not too far from the schools, and on the bus line. I would hate to see it moved out to the edge of town somewhere so that most people were forced to drive to use it. I suspect that a remodel, even an extensive one, would be less expensive than buying land and building a whole new building.
November 5, 2006 at 12:44 am
Thanks for your feedback. It sounds like your concernts/interests are:
* A remodel if possible (2nd floor?)
* A centrally located library
* Parking
* Cost
This information will be shared with the consultants!
November 7, 2006 at 11:31 pm
Can’t do a second floor because it was built on fill. Can’t go up or down and there is no space to spread to. Must build new building elsewhere.
November 8, 2006 at 7:37 pm
Please, please, if the library relocates, let it be within walking distance of downtown Ferndale. That is my main concern.
November 8, 2006 at 10:05 pm
Thank you t.smith, the architects will definately be looking into these details and presenting what is and is not an option on the 21st. A summary of their presentation will be posted to the blog.
November 13, 2006 at 12:44 am
I agree with the previous commentors – keeping the library in a central location is the highest priority. Why can’t the land behind the library be used? Isn’t that the city shop – couldn’t that be moved elsewhere?
Next in priority line is adequate parking. A separate computer room (with more computers) for the homeworkers/researchers in addition several in the main room.
And ideally a more expanded book inventory with quiet, cozy spaces for readers.
November 13, 2006 at 8:14 pm
Thank you for your feedback. Your specific suggestions for space needed for parking and a computer/homework lab are very helpful.
The question of whether or not the library could expand into the land behind it will be addressed in the needs assessment. At the November 21st meeting the pros and cons of the current location will be discussed. This sort of question is exactly why the library is working with the city and with architects.
November 19, 2006 at 4:40 pm
I recall somewhere the formula being for every acre of parking you get 104-108 parking spaces. The planners have those numbers. I have been trying to visualize any downtown possibillities.I gave an update to the Ferndale Downtown Developement Association last Thursday and alerted them about the upcomming meeting on the 21st. I am looking forward to it. Lloyd Z
November 21, 2006 at 2:45 am
Hello, I think it would be wonderful in the library had a drive-up book drop-off. Sometimes I just want to return a couple of books, and it is less convenient when I have to come in or go up to the drop slot on the building as I usually have my two young children with me. That seems like a fairly minimal request, so I hope it will be considered.
December 5, 2006 at 8:29 am
I also have young children and would really appreciate a drive up book drop off. Getting out and walking behind the building by myself or with my two children after hours is not only inconvenient but unsafe. More parking would also be helpful.
February 1, 2007 at 2:16 am
There is an excellent set of outdoor survival videos. I know as I own them. With all the outdoor activities in our state, I think the set would be a great addition to the library system.
Information on the videos can be found at: http://www.survival.com
Thanks.
March 13, 2007 at 2:07 am
The Ferndale library is in an excellent location as several people have mentioned. The fact that it is an easy walking distance for many and close to a bus stop lessens the demand for parking. I hope the library can stay at its present location (or at least not move very far).
If the location of the library remains the same, perhaps a traffic light could be added at the nearby Douglas Rd/Main St. crosswalk to help protect pedestrians.