DC Public Library Trustees to Allow Public at Facilities CommitteeMeeting -- Tuesday

Watha T. Daniel Public Library, DC
Originally uploaded by rllayman.

(Watha T. Daniel Public Library, DC. Closed.)

From Robin Diener, DC Libraries Renaissance Project:

For the first time DC Public Library Board of Trustees will allow the public to attend and observe a meeting of its Facilities Committee.

The change in policy comes in the wake of public frustration over secrecy surrounding 4 libraries closed for 2 ½ years, a standoff in the Benning community about building housing over the library there, and development proposals for the Tenley and West End libraries floated at ANC meetings recently. The Facilities Committee also has responsibility for renovation of the Georgetown Library after the devastating fire of April 30.

A promise to open committee meetings was made in January by Trustees President John Hill, at their annual meeting, where Trustees voted to reduce the number of full board meetings in order to allow more time for committees to do their work. A schedule of committee meetings was not posted on the DCPL website, however, until Thursday May 17.

Ralph Nader, founder of the Library Renaissance Project, said the decision to open the meetings came after four years of urging by his Project. “I congratulate the Trustees on finally arriving at an understanding of their responsibilities.”

Project Director Robin Diener, credited Chief Librarian Ginnie Cooper with “gently leading the Trustees into the light. Cooper is a dedicated public librarian and has shown real responsiveness. We are all looking to her to put the ‘public’ back in the Public Library.”

The Facilities Committee of the DC Board of Library Trustees will meet Tuesday, May 22, 2007, 8:30 am, at the MLK Library, 4th Floor Board Room.