We received this request as a member of the Library's Strategic Advisory Planning Committee, and think it needs to get wide exposure. From Barbara Pearson, Library District Director:
We have met with the Deputy Director of Congressman Schiff's Office and we are requesting $1.2 million in funding for our construction documents, which the Deputy Director said the Congressman will take to the Appropriations Committee.
A sample letter is attached, but you should try to put your own thoughts about the need for remediation of ADA issues and current/future services.
Please address the letter to Congressman Schiff and e-mail it to me by Thursday, February 12, 2009 at bpearson@altadenalibrary.org" I will then put it in PDF format and send it to Schiff's Deputy Director, per his request.
Thank you for all of your support and contributions to this process.
Barbara J. Pearson
District Director
**** D * R * A * F * T ****
Dear Congressman Schiff:
The Altadena Library District (ALD) was established by statute in 1926 and operates under the Education Code. It serves a diverse population of 55,200 residents. It is governed by an elected Board of Library Trustees and is supported by property tax and parcel tax, which has been overwhelmingly approved by voters three times in the last 15 years. The library, built in 1967, is 41 years old and in desperate need of repair, renovation, and expansion to provide modern library services. It is overcrowded, shows the effects of earthquakes with cracks on ceilings, concrete slabs and clerestory windows. It lacks energy efficiencies, has encapsulated asbestos needing removal, and is non-American Disabilities Act compliant. Bathrooms are inaccessible to residents in wheelchairs.
ALD has started a process to remodel and enlarge its 41-year-old main branch to comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA), to accommodate 21st-century library functions, and to become more energy efficient.
ALD has already procured an ADA study, a needs assessment by a citizens’ committee, a public opinion survey, and a preliminary architectural study. To go forward with this project, ALD needs funding for architectural and engineering construction documents. It is my hope that you will help our community with ALD’s request for the $1.2 million dollars needed for Renovation and Expansion Project.
As an Altadenan, I believe libraries reflect the well-being of the community. ALD is the educational and cultural center of our community.
Thank you for your assistance in this important project.
Sincerely,
