From Deseret News archives:
Library sharing debated
Some mayors want to set up a Utah County system
White simply wanted to know if the local mayors at the Council of Governments meeting would allow residents from the unincorporated area to use their libraries in exchange for some improvement money from the county. White said the county is looking for a more efficient way to spend the money currently being used to run the bookmobile service.
"Contrary to what many believe, there is no county library or county library system at this time," White said. "We currently spend $120,000-$130,000 a year maintaining the bookmobile operation for about 3,500 residents, of which only a third use the service."
What he found were mayors who are fairly anxious to find a way to maximize library use and make it available to everyone for a fair price.
Mayors of cities without libraries were particularly interested in discussing the creation of a county system.
"We ought to talk about a countywide system," said Highland Mayor Jess Adamson. "It would be a benefit to everyone in the community. A county library system would operate better than a bunch of citywide systems."
"Twelve years ago, I made a motion that the county buy every nonresident a library card (for $50-$100 each). It went nowhere," said Vineyard Mayor Rulon Gammon. "We've wasted now $100,000 every year when we could have spent $35,000 instead of $100,000. It just makes good sense."
"We need to step out of the box. There is a way to do it," said Woodland Hills Mayor Toby Harding.
Mayors of cities that have built their own libraries were more cautious.
Lehi Mayor Ken Greenwood said most community leaders and most people have no idea of the real costs involved in providing a library. "Our concern is if we increase our overhead based on our benevolence," said Orem Mayor Jerry Washburn.
Orem and Provo already have an interlocal agreement that permits cardholders to use libraries in either city.
"I think we who have not invested in a library have an obligation to pay some of those costs," said Lindon Mayor Larry Ellertson.
Commissioner Jerry Grover said a great deal of research has been done into the feasibility of developing a county system, but (the effort) has been blocked by territorialism and funding.
"We can talk again," he said.
Council of Governments Chairman and Springville Mayor Fritz Boyer said he will talk with the commissioners and develop a couple of proposals to bring back to the mayors that could then be explored by a committee or study group.
E-mail: haddoc@desnews.com
Comments
- High school girls basketball: Top 20 1:40 a.m.
- High school swimming rankings 1:28 a.m.
- High school girls basketball rankings 1:19 a.m.
- High school boys basketball rankings 1:00 a.m.
- Preps of the week 12:49 a.m.
- Y. volleyball beats UVU 12:46 a.m.
- Sports on the air 12:43 a.m.
- Utah Jazz: Game at a glance 12:40 a.m.
- Williams' late jumper tops Spurs 12:34 a.m.
- Revive full food tax? 12:19 a.m.
- Cougars going back to Vegas
- Utah/BYU rivalry can be more civil
- TCU to play Boise in Fiesta Bowl
- Witness: Mitchell stalked victims
- Y. profs: Beck not all-knowing
- Bring the true spirit of Christmas
- Utes excited to go to San Diego
- BYU professor remembered
- Winter weather is here to stay
- Answers for the BCS
- Y. profs: Beck not all-knowing
261 - TCU to play Boise in Fiesta Bowl
203 - Letters: Global warming a lie
156 - Cougars going back to Vegas
147 - Utah/BYU rivalry can be more civil
134 - George lost in rivalry hatefest
119 - Ed Smart 'appalled' at testimony
100 - Harpring's NBA career is over
96 - Utahns want health care reform bills
78 - Utes excited to go to San Diego
75
For the latest news in the health care debate and how it affects you...
Amazon.com, Target.com, Sears.com, Walmart.com, Kmart.com and...
When Boozer was shooting the free throws, why Sloan didn't substitute Mathew...
actions, I will be forced to be accountable for them. I refuse. I am an...
What's with the Utah fans flashing the double L sign?
@mark: So Sam da Ham... you were just making it up?" I'm a climate...
"I have no idea why BYU fans are talking smack about bowl opponents. Even if...
You say to "quit whining and play somebody." Isn't that what everyone is...
Reading these comments, I start wondering-- Whatever happened to faith? Why...
All those numbers when all you reall need to know is that BYU has beat Utah...
All thos numbers when all you reall need to know is that BYU has beat Utah...
So Sam da Ham, when you said this: "Not so. Al Gore is poised to make...


You can be the first to comment on this story.