For Immediate Release
Contact: Robin Diener Ralph Nader, founder
202/387-8030
202/431-9254 cell
WASHINGTON, D.C. – May 29, 2008 – The Board of Library Trustees, last night heard from residents who objected to the “dismissive” treatment and “inadequate” response they received as participants in the design process for new libraries to be constructed in their neighborhoods. After a year of meetings, the designs are moving to “final” phase without respect for the ideas and concerns expressed by the communities, according to those who addressed the Trustees during the extended public comment period at the West End branch library. “You treat us like audiences, not partners,” said Samuel Jordan, of Ward 7, and the Development Advisory Committee. Jordan cited the closed processes whereby Trustees rejected a development proposal, that many in the community favored exploring because it offered a larger library in a planned town center adjacent to the current library location.
Trustees also admitted that they had not seen survey information collected by Benning Library Dynamo members and presented to Chief Librarian Ginnie Cooper and Trustee Chair John Hill months earlier, that had found significant community interest in the idea. District Library Dynamo coordinator, Chris Otten, further noted that comments from the public are duly recorded on DCPL’s website but the majority have not been addressed.
Trustees, led by Vice President Bonnie R. Cohen, apologized for the disrespect participants say they felt. “I assure you, it is our intent that you feel respected,” said Cohen. She promised answers in response to the numerous questions raised by speakers. She and fellow board member Myrna Peralta acknowledged the need to find a means to a more fruitful dialogue.
LIBRARY
DYNAMOS