Columbia/HoCo’s Current Obsession

 

It’s just a photograph from a tweet about high-quality STEM oriented building materials. But, so help me, when I looked I heard a voice in my head demanding, 

But where’s the parking?

If this does not immediately explain to you what was on my mind, perhaps this will help.

Can you see it? No? Maybe you should tilt your head to one side, or let your eyes go out of focus a bit.

I’ve had the proposal for the new Lakefront Library on my mind quite a bit lately. From what I see on social media, I’m not alone. We don’t all look at it in the same way but we’re definitely thinking about it. I do wish we could discuss it without demonizing those who have differing opinions.

You may get a lot of eyeballs on incendiary accusations but how does that help the community where you live?

Anyway, the truth is that the Lakefront Library proposal is the first thing that Howard Hughes has been a part of that truly captures my imagination. I don’t begrudge anyone their enthusiasm for the Merriweather District, the Azlon kinetic sculpture or Color Burst Park. They just haven’t connected with me.

And that’s fine. Not everyone will like every thing. 

But placing the Downtown Library at the Lakefront is truly a winning combination for me. As long as I have lived here people have lamented that the lakefront is dead and there’s nothing to do there. Even in the last year or so I’ve seen an outpouring of discontent directed at Howard Hughes for neglecting the Lakefront property and allowing it to languish at the expense of the Merriweather District.

A library would bring people of all ages to the Lakefront. More importantly, a library would welcome* all people to the Lakefront. 

Here are some tweets from a conversation about libraries that I stumbled upon recently:

Libraries are one of the last free "third spaces" in our communities. When I'm out of town and I need a place to sit and work or just *be* (or use the bathroom) I look for a library. There's almost never any other option that's free.

Libraries are essential to democracy. They provide free access to information: books, audiobooks, periodicals, and the internet. They offer access to trained professionals who can help you find the information you need. FOR FREE. This is wonderful!

*****

They are safe, egalitarian places for people. They do not demand consumerism. Children are welcome. Teens are welcome. Nobody is mandated to read anything - librarians show you where to look but not what to see. 

*****

Libraries are also the one space that offers to teach people how to use technology for free, regardless of age, gender, income or personal circumstances.  I am passionate about fighting digital poverty and breaking down people's fear of using technology.

*****

Public libraries have often been called, "the people's university." And it's true that one can pursue in-depth information about topics of interest, but libraries are also vital communication hubs after a natural disaster. Support libraries and they will support you.

*****

It is with these thoughts in mind that I find the Lakefront Library proposal both appealing and inspiring. Am I qualified to explain why 143 million is an appropriate estimation of the cost? No. Do I agree, in principal, that a downtown library that is both beautiful and many times more capable of meeting community needs is worthy of a major investment?

Yes.

This is a big and complicated project and it is only natural that people will have questions and/or doubts. The library continues to hold listening sessions to get feedback from the community. I truly wish that some of the folks who are setting fire to the internet would participate in the process and share their views in a more productive way. 

The Lakefront Library has captured my imagination based on the reasons I’ve shared today. I do not demand that you feel the same way, nor will I demonize you for having questions and concerns. Having curiosity and pursuing it is a good thing. You may raise a question that helps the rest of us learn a lot.

BUT…

Inventing conspiracy theories to make people on the other side of an issue look like the Devil Incarnate does actual harm, harm that will remain in our community long after this particular issue has faded from view. It’s like salting the earth so that nothing can grow there.

Recently I wrote:

There are a lot of loud voices at work in our community right now. It seems that there are some people who positively thrive on controversy. If there isn’t a controversy they will manufacture one. A day isn’t successful unless it contains a call to arms, revelations of “shocking facts”, or diatribes against “the other side.” I suppose it may always have been so, but social media amplifies it in a way that makes it both distorted and deafening.

Be as involved as you want to be. Ask questions. Express doubts. Just don’t do it in a way that poisons the well for everyone. 

*In a way that the Mall doesn’t anymore, I might add.