Bay Village library update

How would you like to have your name on a cozy fireplace in a reading area in the new Bay Village library? Or on a computer innovation and design studio? Or a children’s room? A teen activity space?

That may be possible under a plan being developed by the Cuyahoga County Public Library that allows individuals or companies to buy naming rights to facilities in library branches.

The county library system has proposed to build a new branch in Cahoon Park roughly in the footprint of the Bayway Cabin with a cost of about $6 million.

Hallie Rich, library external relations director, and Bridget Hawes, library foundation consultant, will speak at a meeting of the Bay Village Democrats on Monday, Jan. 8, at 7 p.m. in the community room of the police station, 28000 Wolf Road.

Rich said she hopes to clear up misconceptions about the library proposal and update residents on plans.

Some persons have said they feared the plan violates the will from the Cahoon estate that limits use of land in the park. Some say the library should remain near the middle school.

Cuyahoga County Probate Court has ruled that a new library can be built on the Cahoon Park property and can be open on Sunday without violating the will, said Hawes.

“Most cardholders have indicated that a new library would be preferred,” said Hawes.

Parking at the current library is limited. Further, the county library system will not spend tax funds to make major renovations at the current library because the building is owned by the city, Hawes said. The library system will not spend significant money on a building they don’t control, she said.

The county system will soon name a fundraising committee to help pay for enhancements in the new building, including a fireplace in a reading area. In effect,  price tags and a shopping list will be created to allow donors to select a facility they would like to finance.

No public campaign will be held, said Hawes.

Planners hope to create a “innovation studio” with special computerized design software similar to a facility at the Parma-Snow library branch. Another innovation studio has been proposed for the Fairview regional branch.

The new Bay Village branch will also have a children’s reading and activity area that is separated from the main library. Also, a teen activity area is planned. The loudest areas will be the farthest away from the quiet areas, said Hawes.

Dave Sartin

Dave Sartin

Comunications committee chair, Bay Dems

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Volume 9, Issue 24, Posted 10:01 AM, 12.19.2017