Newton
not yet in full support of county library system
By Rachel
Christensen
November 24, 2008 | NEWTON -- Although the concept
of a Cache County library system has won favor in the
eyes of the county's bigger cities, small towns such
as Newton hesitate.
Cleo Griffin, former director of Newton Library, said
Newton voters aren't in favor of the county system although
she thinks the idea has benefits. Griffin said she thinks
the Newton Library has spoiled locals with its small-town
feel and personal service.
Cache County Executive Lynn Lemon said the system
would cut library costs for bigger cities like Logan,
who is the only city to express their full support so
far. He said smaller towns would have to pay more in
order for the system to be able to function.
Lemon said the county would become responsible for
the library buildings in Cache County if a county-wide
system was formed, and all but two current libraries
have work that needs to be done.
Greg Jorgensen, in Town Council on Sept. 4, discussed
changes that were necessary in order to make the bathrooms
in Town Hall, where the Newton Library resides, wheelchair
accessible. Town Clerk Karla Ferguson said if the town
applied for money to fix the they would almost automatically
receive the grant.
In town council Oct. 2, Mayor Clair Christiansen said,
"They think a county library fund will help build a
library, but then the library would be theirs. We're
pretty proud of what we've got."
"We are, we are," said Griffin in agreement.
Sara Rigby, Newton Library's current director, also
is concerned with losing control of the Newton library
if the library became part of a county system.
"The library really brings a sense of community to
the town," Rigby said. "Once the county comes in they
will disregard the services we give to our town. They
will come in and nix little things we have because they
don't think they benefit the county."
Rigby said although she worries about how the county
might change Newton Library, a county library system
would allow small town libraries to share the books
that they have.
"Right there, that would benefit our citizens to have
a wider variety of books as well as other libraries
to have the books that we have," she said.
Whether Newton decides to accept the county library
system or not depends on the details, Rigby said. She
said she thinks there are some issues that still need
to be worked out before the system would be beneficial
to Newton residents.
"The county system, in concept and essence, would
benefit citizen completely," she said. "If it was implemented
correctly and the details were worked out."
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