Baldwin Library patrons split on $21.5 million bond vote

Holly Granning of Beverly Hills, reads to her son Liam, 5, at the Baldwin Library in Birmingham.   Thursday, May 1, 2014.  Tim Thompson-The Oakland Press
Holly Granning of Beverly Hills, reads to her son Liam, 5, at the Baldwin Library in Birmingham. Thursday, May 1, 2014. Tim Thompson-The Oakland Press
The Baldwin Library in Birmingham.   Thursday, May 1, 2014.  Tim Thompson-The Oakland Press
The Baldwin Library in Birmingham. Thursday, May 1, 2014. Tim Thompson-The Oakland Press

Birmingham >> There is no question that how people are using libraries is changing, but how much should be spent to adapt a facility is a question Birmingham voters will have to answer on Tuesday.

Birmingham residents will be asked to approve a $21.5 million bond to renovate and expand the Baldwin Library.

With changes in technology such as e-books and the Internet, some residents believe the price is just too big to pay. On the other side of the issue, library programming and study rooms are high in demand — those residents say the adaptations are necessary to keep up with the trends.

“I’m still battling with the decision, actually,” said Birmingham resident Laureen Wilson. “I am a supporter of the library, but I’m uncertain. It does seem like a lot of money, which I’m struggling with.”

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Wilson said her children do use the library different since they rent e-books, but they do not use it to study yet. She said she has used audiobooks, movies and physical books.

Portia McDonald of Birmingham, who goes to the library a couple of times each week, said the changes are necessary. She has already voted “yes” on the issue.

“We need it badly, we need the new library very badly because we need the space for study carrels and quiet reading,” McDonald said. “I’ve come in here and I couldn’t find a seat in the reading room because it was full.”

Some residents do not see a need to spend the large sum on a library. David Bloom, a lifelong Birmingham resident and member of Birmingham Citizens for Responsible Spending, said he agrees the library needs updating but he thinks it can be done for less money.

Bloom said more study rooms can be added to the existing buildings, plus the youth section and entry way ramp can be reconfigured to meet ADA standards.

Georgina Imbriaco, who resides in Birmingham, said that she mainly uses the children’s section of the library.

“We go sometimes to the activities here,” she said. “I think it’s a wonderful library. I think it’s a good idea (to vote yes) because I think it serves the community because there’s a need with so many people coming out to this area and to this library. We learn many things here, my granddaughter has gone to the early learning things, she’s been on the computers for children.”

McDonald uses a variety of resources, including e-books and movies.

“I read a lot, so I borrow regular books,” McDonald said. “I’m in a book club, so I need the books for the book club and I just think it’s a very vital part of our lives. I’m in favor of increasing the ability of it.

The Baldwin Library has seen increases in circulation, visitors, program attendance and interlibrary loan. However, other communities now contract with the Baldwin Library, including Bloomfield Hills and Beverly Hills, adding to the increases.

Contracting communities will not be asked to pay for the costs of the library, nor will they get a chance to vote on the issue.

“I always used the library when my kids were growing up, they did all their reports here and everything,” said Beverly Hills resident Leslie Diviney. “Now that I have a grandchild, we come here for storytime, but I also take books out for the book group that I’m in ... I come and get the physical copies (of books).”

Also a Beverly Hills resident, Will Power said he uses “everything,” at the library, including computer labs. He thinks the expansion is unnecessary.

“I don’t think it’s a good idea, the library is beautiful as it is right now,” Power said. “I don’t see any need for $21 million to be spent of tax payer dollars to make it better ... I think the $21 million could be spent other places like parks, recreation, streets, advertising, but not for the library.”

In 2004, Bloomfield Township voters approved a similar bond for more than $22.8 million for renovations and expansion of their library.

Baldwin Library Director Doug Koschik previously told The Oakland Press that young people are still coming to the library, despite what some may think. He said they now offer more e-books, audiobooks, movies and music.

The expansion of the Baldwin Library calls for a 10 percent decrease in adult print books, due to changing technologies. In place, the library hopes to transform into more of a community center.

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About the Author

Megan Semeraz

Megan Semeraz is a multimedia reporter who covered Bloomfield Hills, Bloomfield Township, Troy and Birmingham. Reach the author at megan.semeraz@oakpress.com or follow Megan on Twitter: @megansemeraz.
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