March 29, 2024

Tax dollars not necessary for a new library

Jeromy Brown

Creston

As a new library board member last year, I approached the Lincoln-to-Library effort with an open mind.  As a native of Humboldt County up north, I didn’t have any particular biases for or against the Gibson Library.

I listened to the case for the renovation of the Lincoln school building, looking for the positives and negatives. I was prepared to reject a poorly made case, even if it meant the library board wouldn’t be a good fit for me.

Fortunately, I heard a very good case for a larger, technologically advanced library that will host many programs and community activities, in a renovated building that would make Creston proud.  The transformation of Lincoln School into the modern, encompassing Creston Area Library and Cultural Center will be in the best interests of this good city.

I’ve heard many vocal opponents of the move, and while I’ve found their points to be unconvincing, I can see one big question that sticks out and produces the most opposition, and it’s the issue of money.  People are convinced that a) this project will use taxpayer dollars and b) that’s a bad thing.

Let me address point “b” first. Is using city taxpayers’ money a bad thing?

Almost nobody truly believes this. When it comes to programs we support, we’re very much happy to see taxpayer dollars spent. We’re united by disliking paying taxes, but divided about where to spend them.

However, back to to point “a”:  We can do this without taxpayer money.

Thanks to Mandy Kolesik of Marketing Kinetics in Lamoni, who many in town have gotten to know, we have an experienced fundraiser who is able to draw in money from national groups as well as local ones.

By making our plans more ambitious, we are getting the attention of large foundations and corporations who are interested in more than a new paint job. Mandy has provided the library board with an extensive and detailed plan to raise every last dollar directly from donors rather than asking for a city grant.

I feel that the wind is changing direction, and that the more people learn about our plans, the more they’re likely to support it. We’ve interviewed the public, listened to them, and incorporated new ideas into the design of the library. Naysayers are turning neutral, neutrals are turning positive, and positives are turning into champions for the cause.

I embrace a future in which the Creston Area Library and Cultural Center adds to the value of our city, increases child literacy, and hosts community activities. I see a place for all generations to meet, interact, and forge together a brighter future for Creston so that it can continue to be a beacon for southwest Iowa. Join us in making that happen.