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Library looking to expand

By Meg Olson

The local library is looking for room to grow and is sending out feelers about using more space within the existing community center footprint.

“If we could do something in this building and just improve the kids area it would be great,” said local librarian Kris Lomedico at the September 6 board meeting of the local parks district, which controls the community center building and leases space to the library.

Lomedico and Whatcom County Library System director Joan Airoldi attended the meeting to ask parks board members to consider giving them more space. “Though we’re using our space well there’s not a lot of room for people to sit,” Lomedico said. “There’s no real space for the teens and the kids room is crowded.”

Currently, the small children’s room at the back of the library also houses the young adult collection. More space, added Lomedico, might also allow a larger and more varied collection for all Library users.
Parks board member Beverly Griffith asked if an expanded library might have some space to accommodate other activities, such as small meetings of local organizations, and both Lomedico and Airoldi said they would be happy to look at any possibilities and collaborations. “You’re being creative and that’s what you have to be,” applauded Griffith.

Airoldi said they welcomed the support of the parks board for at least the concept of expanding the library and would work to develop more concrete proposals. “It just takes imagination,” she said.
“And money,” added Waters. “Lots of money.”

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