Changes at the Ed Robson Library

 

Bob Hutchins

A presentation by a representative of the County Library System was the first notification of a change at the library. The transfer of approximately 20 County Library employees would require the relocation of the Book Store and closure of the Lecky Center which had served as the host for presentations of virtually every topic of interest imaginable. The County office had run out of space in their downtown headquarters. County funding for the changes was approved in October totaling a million dollars. There was no communication with the Robson group which donated the building in 2004, nor was there any other announcement of the plan to the Sun Lakes community. Ed Robson, who had donated the library, was informed after the meeting with the County representative. The change would relocate the Book Store, and activities in the Lecky Center would be moved to the Methodist Church.

Recognizing the impact of the proposed changes and the need for legal advice, it was discovered that the agreement made between the County and Mr. Robson’s organization, the Sun Lakes Community Foundation, included a clause that gave Mr. Robson’s organization the right of approval of any improvements or alterations to the library property. A formal letter prepared by Robson’s general counsel was sent November 30 to the County Library Office and the Maricopa County Supervisors, reminding them of the terms agreed to in 2004. A Robson review of the proposed changes would determine if their plans could proceed. As of December 11, no response from the County has been received. A meeting was held on December 5 at the library. Cindy Kolacznski, Director of the Maricopa Library District, and two associates reviewed the proposed changes. The visit produced no response to the November 30 letter, with the discussion focused on the limited use of the Lecky Center. It is noted by this attendee that the administration of the Lecky Center activity is in the hands of the resident library personnel who, in light of the proposed changes, are unlikely to promote any increase in Lecky Center activity.

The request for the plans remains unanswered by the County. The availability of funding should generate more attention in January. The interests of the community are clear. The Lecky Center and Book Store need support from the community to assure Mr. Robson that we appreciate his efforts. Letters backing the legal action to stop the introduction of library personnel could be the deciding factor. The address is 9532 East Riggs Road.