From Jeromy Brown
Creston
Wow, what an amazing rebound for the library.
After last year’s city council vote contrasted with the two to one public turnout against the sale, some of us felt like a dream had been taken away.
But so it goes. We had to remember that the purpose behind the Creston Area Library and Cultural Center was more important than the particular building we chose. Our further discussions with the city council determined that the site of the Gibson Memorial Library would be the only option. On the bright side, many people in Creston passionately wanted to keep the library there, so we are now on their side and hopefully vice versa.
We have honored them. Our sterling new library director, Dr. David Hargrove, hosted a public design “charrette” that was announced in the Creston News Advertiser. Everyone was invited to come in and meet with the architects of FEH as plans were drawn. The architects listened to Creston citizens for two whole days. The team, led by the warm and friendly Dennis Sharp, then drew interesting designs that gave the library an expanded one-level layout and put lots of public space on the ground level.
Thanks to all Crestonians who came and added their input. My philosophy is pro-people—things get done when people work together. Soon we will be able to proudly reveal an expanded library design, one shaped directly by Creston’s residents and that will finally show us all the library Creston deserves. Stay tuned to the Advertiser to hear more soon!