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Town Square

Atherton: Measuring the will of the voters

Original post made on Oct 9, 2012

In addition to choosing two members of their City Council this November, Atherton residents will cast yea or nay votes on three ballot measures, the most controversial of which asks whether a library should be built in the town's only park.

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Posted by Save Our Park
a resident of Atherton: other
on Oct 9, 2012 at 2:05 pm

There is a web site www.SaveOurPark.info it has all the facts on why the Library should not be moved to the park. Hundreds of residents have endorsed this position and donated money to Save the Park.

McKeithen or anyone else is welcome to do the research and point out any incorrect or false information. 70-80% of those that become informed oppose the County Library in Holbrook Palmer Park. Here are some of the reasons:

1. It will likely be an empty White Elephant. Menlo Park and Redwood City have large Libraries nearby, there are always empty seats.

Just as the train no longer stops at Atherton, for lack of riders. A Third county library does not need to be located in Atherton.

2. Open Space is for fields or just enjoyment will be lost.

3. The current situation already allows for community use and provides a beautiful place for weddings.

4. Train noise is less than 40 seconds per hour during 10am - 5pm.

5. The $8,000,000 could be used to retro fit the existing and help the local schools.

6. Two years seems like a long time to remodel a building. If so the library could rent out the Pavilion and Main house.

7. How can you add such a large facilty and not need parking. Are the spots used for other activities going to be taken.

There are many more points. Visit the web site. Perserve the beauty of the park.


Like this comment
Posted by save our park
a resident of Atherton: other
on Oct 9, 2012 at 6:23 pm

Council Members Widmer, McKeithen, and Dobbie could have voted to put language in the ballot measure to limit the size of the library to 13,500 square feet. They did not. Instead the library can be 2 stories with a 10,000 square foot footprint or 20,000 square feet. Three council members could vote to redo the EIR.

Ms. Kupperman a candidate for council wrote the letter on library size.

Viewpoint - Wednesday, July 4, 2012


Letter: Size of library should not be a factor

Given the importance of determining the Atherton Library location it is not surprising that there is much controversy and debate. As a ballot measure, it's important that the discussion be a positive engagement centered on facts.

What is surprising and of equal but less visible importance is an underlying debate over the size of the Atherton Library and who it will serve. As a member of the San Mateo County Library System, the Atherton Branch Library's mandate is to serve the general public's information needs, to serve the public interest, and be open and welcoming of every community member.


The Atherton Library has been serving Atherton and unincorporated San Mateo County areas for many years. With over 9,400 Atherton Library cardholders, it certainly seems appropriate and reasonable to conclude that the Atherton Library serves a broader community and that the library should continue to serve those community members and any other person interested in availing themselves of the wonderful public library services we all enjoy.


However, current and former council persons express the notion that the library should be sized to only accommodate Atherton residents because only town residents are paying for the new building via the Donor City Fund. This is a troubling sentiment — that a community as fortunate as ours would consider deliberately planning a library centered on only accommodating themselves, when in fact they can afford to do otherwise. Do we want to be defined as a community not interested in sharing a place that provides opportunities for learning and literacy for all? I certainly hope not.


Denise Kupperman, Chair, Atherton Library Building Steering Committee
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