Ward One residents are compelled to grow a tree of concern regarding the expansion of the Mount Pleasant Library.
Several branches stemming out from this tree of concern represent distinct yet very legitimate logistical complaints regarding the new library designs, whether it be the proximity of the expansion to local apartment buildings and tenants, or the real fear that the new plans will hurt the historic nature of the current library architecture, or the despair of disregard for what could be a broader comprehensive neighborhood planning opportunity, along with other important concerns too.
The above branches all connect to a massive tree trunk of discontent regarding the overall library design process including, the perceived low level of community input and empirical lack of action on this input, and the blindingly discrete opaqueness by which DCPL is making decisions about such a critical central community project, our neighborhood library.
Ward One Library Coalition Points of Unity
Participants with the Ward One Library Coalition have agreed on
the following points to help guide our collective efforts in regards to
the centrally important Mount Pleasant Library project and broader Ward
One library services:
- We support meaningful analysis and action to expand library services
to better serve all of Ward One.
- We strongly believe that the library design planning and community
consultation process, as being applied by DC Public Library leadership,
is entirely inadequate.
- We want to see the Mount Pleasant Library design planning be stopped, including any ongoing permit application procedures.
- Given the myriad of unaddressed problems as fostered by poor planning,
the current library design plans must be put aside and an improved
library design process must begin again.
A CLOSER LOOK
Below is a bevy of documents and links showing the level of concern in the greater Ward One community. You have ANC resolutions, civic group resolutions, letters of concern from historic preservationists and local businesses and community organizations, as well as audio and video reports and more.
This is an archive dedicated to openness and networking and growing a strong tree of community concern... please email the District Dynamos with any additional data you think should be added to this archive for public use.
WARD ONE LIBRARY ARCHIVE
DC Public Library (DCPL) & Board of Library Trustees (BoLT)
* Meeting Notes
* Design Images
* Reports / Media Files
* Board of Library Trustees
Executive and Council
* Library Committee reports (contact Neil Rodgers, DC Council Committee Clerk, nrdogers@dccouncil.us, 202-724-8155)
* Legislation (Mayor Fenty, adrian.fenty@dc.gov, Chair Gray vgray@dcouncil.us)
Advisory Neighborhood Commission documents (Ward One ANC's)
* ANC resolutions
Neighborhood Organizations (CBO's, civic groups, businesses, tenants)
* Important Letters of Correspondence (4)
* Meeting Notes
~ 2009-02-18: Introductory W1LC meeting
* Conversations
The Ward One Library Coalition
has been initiated by the District Dynamos and shares its mission with other Library Dynamos around DC...
... to promote the public interest in the Mount Pleasant Library, serving all of Ward One, and ensure adequate community oversight of the proposed renovation and expansion of the Mount Pleasant Library. Our participants will research and disseminate information, as well as convene meetings to foster community consultation, discuss findings, identify concerns, and take action as needed.
Help win back accountability and common sense!