Survey Comments - Lyon County Public Library Study

*Note: Comments are recorded exactly as expressed

What attracted you to the Marshall area? Other

• A place to live
• bought a business
• business opportunities-4
• Church
• Closer to the lake
• Family moved here for father's employment
• family-23
• farming for over 100 years here
• Farming-7
• friendliness
• Grew up here-91
• home town of my wife
• hometown for 88 years
• Hospital-Emergency calls-Business
• housing opportunities-2
• husband-2
• Left Murry Co farm near Balaton, moved into Balaton near Church and friends
• Live west of Russell in Lyon
• location
• Marriage-3
• Married to the land (and a farmer)
• Nice town
• Parents lived in Clifton Township. When I married in 1955. We located in Amiret Township.
• Parents moved here-6
• proximity to other family members-2
• retirement-4
• sisters lived here
• SMSU-5
• Transferred
• Transportation other than car
• wife's employment

How would you describe Marshall to a perspective resident? Other

• "Swanville"
• A nice place-2
• Agriculturally focused
• Always goes the expensive we're big metro area, always have to have "new"
• An expensive town that cares more about its "wants" than what it needs
• Area shopping hub.
• Big corporation Schwans
• But needs more for entertainment for teens and young adults.
• Caters to large corp
• Cheap wages/ over taxed.
• Cliché
• Clicky
• College and entertainment opportunities.
• Conservative-2
• Don't come here
• Ever-changing
• Expensive-2
• Family-friendly
• Friendly
• Friendly, good neighbors
• Good school facilities
• Great place to raise kids-8
• Great schools for my son
• Growing community-4
• Has all you need close by
• High taxes-3
• In rural area
• Lack luster
• lacking department stores!!
• Lacking in retail stores
• Need more businesses and a working mall.
• Needs growth
• Nice sized rural city with many advantages
• Nice town
• No growth
• No opinion really- the people are "clicky"- hard to "fit in" unless you have $$$$.
• No shopping stores-3
• Nosey
• Not much to do
• Not sure
• Not too small; not too big
• Ok place to live
• One company town-lives or dies-schwans
• Opportunities
• Ordinary midsize town
• Parks
• Progressive, growing in population-3
• Real Estate owned by few people-no opportunity
• Safe over all
• Small town feel but w/ Amenities.
• Small town ran be big corporation
• Snobby
• Some rich people
• Supportive of arts, learning
• Unfriendly-2
• very clannish
• Very clicky-you need to be "old Marshall folks"-a Schwans or work for the city or college
• Vital

What geographical area would you consider to be "downtown" Marshall? Other

• All that is city of Marshall
• Casey's gas station to Independent newspaper building
• Photoworks & Casey's block to Courthouse & police station block
• C-street to 6th St & Lyon St to Parking South of Main
• College drive, Bruce, to Hwy 23
• Rural
• Randy Schultz photo N West to Courthouse, Armory East to Super America
• Varsity Pub to Wooden Nickel, including PO and current library
• Varsity Pub to Nickel, 3rd St to library & PO

Watching building growth and development in Marshall, where do you feel future growth will occur? Other

• All of the above-2
• Along Hwy 23 between Hwy 59 and Hwy 19
• Anywhere land is available for development
• Around k-Mart
• Between Marshall & Lynd, between Marshall & Green Valley
• don't see it
• E by new high school
• East - high school
• East 19 and around New High school
• East college drive-2
• East main from 1st street to coke plant and beyond and see those homes renewed and business growth along last main toward 19/23 by pass.
• East of SW MN State U (residential), East on Hwy 19 & 23 (business)
• East side of Hwy 23
• High school & college
• Hwy 23W
• I hope downtown
• If you want to preserve "down-town" then, that's where development needs to occur. At present growth is on South Main by Walmart
• K-mart area? Industrial park (NW)
• New industrial development area=where?
• North to new high school
• On 23 from Main St (59) to College Dr (19)
• Residential growth-beyond (NE) of new high school
• S. Saratoga & west & south of Thomas
• School
• South Main and also east of 19-2
• Southwest toward Lynd
• Target/Kohls-Please
• towards US Bancorp
• Where ever Schwan's think it should be

How often do you visit the current library? Other

• 1 every two months
• 1 or 2 times a year-10
• 1 per month
• 2-3 times a year-15
• 3-4 times a year-9
• 5-6 a year-3
• 6-8 times/year-3
• Branch location more than 4X month
• Every 6 weeks to 2 months
• Every few years other family members in household 3-4 times a month
• Few times a year--III
• For research and meetings.
• Less than once a month-2
• Mostly in summer
• Never-2
• Not often
• occasionally
• Occasionally-2
• Once every 3 months
• Once every couple months
• Once every couple years
• Once monthly, my 17 year old daughter goes weekly
• Only in an emergency
• Quarterly
• Sporadically, but always very grateful that it is there
• Summer months-weekly-during school year at holiday times-II
• Use Cottonwood library
• Very seldom
• When needed for research
• When there's a parking space

What characteristics should the new library have? Other

• "Green" Environment Building, Green sward in front not parking.
• "quiet" time
• Accessible to all
• Adequate funding (big building but no funds for library resources)
• Adequate natural lighting-3
• Adequate staffing
• Adult area
• Area for tweens and teens
• Better Reference Books
• Big tables at the newspapers
• Book selection
• CDs and DVDs available for check out
• Coffee bar
• Does not need to be extravagant
• Don't need a new library-4
• Don't need; spend money where needed
• Drive-thru book return-4
• Fireplace & soothing water wall
• Friendly help (employees)
• Improve teen book selection
• Internet room (see Douglas Co. library)
• Is it really needed? -school libraries -SMSU library
• Keep the website with online interaction
• Larger collection of books-2
• Library appropriate furnishings
• Located near middle school for children of all ages that ride bus after school
• Lots of new fiction
• Meeting rooms should be free to non-profits
• More evening & weekend hours
• More internet capabilities-2
• More up to date craft books
• Multiple floors with elevator
• no opinion
• Not sure
• or more easily accessed elevator
• Outreach
• Outside area
• Pleasant relaxed atmosphere
• Public meeting rooms for rent
• Public Restrooms
• Reading room
• Research area
• Spacious
• teen area
• We don't need one; be the assholes who are pushing it.
• Wherever Schwans and the city dictates
• Wireless network-2

How do you feel the library should be funded? Other

• (written by "from city of Marshall reserve fund" and "from Lyon County reserve fund") - bad idea
• Bigger book inventory
• By no one, fix current one
• By people that use it
• Don't need new library we are over taxed already
• Don't need one-2
• Don't tax Tracy residents as we have city library
• Donations from corporations without strings attached
• Fees for use
• From citizen's who want it & can afford to donate
• From sale of old bldg
• Fundraising-2
• Grants-4
• How about save some money for a change. You know how can people afford to live in a community that wants, wants, wants, we all have in live within our means.
• If property taxes are part of the funding; it should be the whole county, not just the city of Marshall. DO NOT LEVY A LOCAL SALES TAX UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCE!
• It does not to be so elaborate especially in price. We already pay enough in property taxes especially middle class.
• It isn't necessary
• It's more Marshall than Lyon County
• Liquor store funds
• Look at what Marshall raises for United Way? Redirect those funds?
• Lyon County should not have a reserve fund. User, Lyon County Appropriation
• Motel tax
• natural gas co, electric suppliers, by railroad
• No more property tax increases
• No more taxes
• no opinion
• Not by me
• Private contributions
• Referendum-2
• Residents who are able
• Should not be funded-not needed
• that million $--why?? Not used?? Those who refused-add to donate or come up with the 2 million $ (#14)
• Too much tax to pay at present time
• Towns in our county who are serviced by the library
• We can raise money we do for parks, march of dimes etc. Why not for the library.
• We have enough tax already.

What are some circumstances for you not to personally donate money for new library? Other

• All schools and college have their own library system
• Child in college
• City & county not contributing enough
• Corporations get breaks from city to locate here. They should give back to the community that helps them
• Current library is adequate (but new would be nice)
• Current library is adequate for my use-10
• Disagree on need
• Do not trust city council or city employees.
• Don't feel obligated when it's a public library. More fair for all to pay a little than some to make donations
• Don't feel the decision-makers will spend it wisely
• don't have any money to donate
• Don't live in Marshall.
• Don't need it, you can go online to get anything you need.
• need library. Schools have. Meet needs. Current meets Don't other needs.
• Donations to all the charities etc has to be limited or at least divided up equally. It's overwhelming the number of organizations that "need" a donation
• From taxes
• Have a good library
• Higher priorities
• I already am a contributor ie county resident
• I buy their books regularly
• I don't use it-3
• I donate to other groups
• I feel all citizens and users should ante up.
• I have 3 children in college
• I pay enough taxes
• I really don't think that a new library is necessary.
• If I was donating money to library would be to my hometown
• If it were to be named after a private business
• Larger than needed
• Library is not a big need of mine
• Library's have free information services
• Location
• Many have no food; that seems more important
• Mission needs to be changed
• Money should go to larger selections of books
• Moving out of state
• Never use it-4
• not from Marshall
• Old library is sufficient.
• Other significant needs for available funds.
• Our county commissioners seem to think a new jail is more important, so that's where the tax money will go
• Over built.
• prefer donations be given to more needy projects/charities
• Public facilities should be publicly funded
• Really don't need a new library-3
• Should be built for less
• SHOULD BE ON OLD MIDDLE SCHOOL LOT ¬WITH ROOM FOR NEW POST OFFICE AND DOWNTOWN PARKING WE DON’T NEED 300,000 CONDOS IN THAT NEIGHBORHOOD
• Should be paid through existing structure-city and county
• Since I see nothing wrong with current library-I don't want to contribute to new
• taxes in this town are high already!!
• TAXES LEVIES SHOULD FUND MAJORITY
• The new high school has a beautiful library, the college has a beautiful library, we don't need a grand new one
• They should have looked more into the "Free" land/ location offered by Schwan's. Compromise design, two floors, etc to save money.
• Too many issues, too many current non-profit asking for money
• Unnecessary w/ SMSU and web technology
• Way to much money being spent to built it!
• We already have a beautiful library-shame on you people
• We are already taxed too high
• Why not 2 story-safe land and be more useful

Additional Comments Regarding Funding

• I feel that I pay enough taxes that I shouldn't have to donate money. I am also sick of Schwans sticking their nose in all public projects if they donate money.
• A library is the heart of a community-feel we should all donate -it is the next step for Marshall-get on board Schwans-quit pouting over not getting your way.
• 2 million dollars if a huge amount of money. If it's refused, they'd probably refuse my small donation too. More thoughts & effort should have been put into the 2 million $??? Offer
• The current library offers a lot for a community the size of Marshall. The building is dated and has problems-mold, etc. So can see the need for a new one but a new one should also be realistic-I don't feel a "Cadillac" is necessary.
• Looks to have too many architect ideas that are for looks only and increase the cost. It could be built the same size or larger for less money. Let the people paying for it choose the design.
• The county needs to contribute as well as all residents of the county benefit by library outreach to smaller communities, plan the so-called "regional center" would indicate Marshall is the center of the entire county. (#39)
• I feel the "big shots" in Marshall just like to spent money! We can't build a new house just because we want to or it doesn't fit our needs.
• You know if the county can't afford it and the city can't then your answer to this funding is simple. Don't speed money you don't have, If you put a property tax increase you better have the people vote. Also we as homeowners, we are property taxed to death. You know its hard to come up with all this money thru property tax accessions when you have companies starting off at $9.00 per hour. Try support a family on that or even getting a 2 percent cost of living raise when your cost of living goes up by 5-10 percent (higher gas prices, food, housing, insurance, property taxes)
• We don't need more taxes. The school levy is enough. However, the current library is probably too small.
• This is ridiculous! We don't need a new library! People can get the info they need at the one that we have!
• The costs are too high. Everything costs too much and it seems everyone has to have the best, the newest etc. with most of the money going into the pockets of out of town architects, contractors, vendors, etc.
• I do not think that public tax money should be used; if companies & private donations are used I am all for it.
• It should be a facility that everybody pays for not just a few of us. Sales tax levy would be the fairest but does need to
• Shame, shame, shame on the wasteful people who have pushed this unnecessary tax expense. We already have 3 adequate libraries downtown, college, and high school. I suppose next they will build ____ 1/4 million bathroom which is always locked. Also people don't use libraries like they used to they use the internet now.
• I feel the major funding should come from the city with assistance from the county. I will donate but not a huge amount probably $100 or less.
• I think a new library would be great, but not if the expense becomes a burden to the many hard working wage earners in this community.
• It is not just Marshall residents that use the library so property tax should not be a funding source.
• Isn't the money better spent in our schools?
• the present library is good enough. We have too many projects to pay for right now, without adding a new library which we do not need. If taxes and levies are suggested my house will be for sale. My taxes are too high right now without adding anymore.
• All the schools have libraries, which is good for our children. There is to much taxes now. Stop draining people who own their homes or property.
• Make it as big & nice as possible-spare no expense
• When private corporations step forward to assist a communities needs.it may be well we listen. (I am not employed by nor have family employed by any major local corp.)
• I have not taken the time to study all the details-the amount of money seems to be a bit outlandish.
• I believe if we let "red tape" come between there decisions, and lose the Carr's large donation, the City of Marshall will have Made a Very large Mistake.
• This should remain a public building and library vs. a private one. If too much is given by one single person or company, they would want to control the outcome to benefit them and not the community.
• Way to Go-Does my income show that I need a new library-No I don't think so-We need a community that works together-If Main Street or Marshall needs new then they pay for it. Not by rural America and people that don't use it. Is beautify Main Street going to bring in New customers + people-Not if prices are high-We need things we can use at a price realistic to our area!
• Taxes are high enough.
• The new Marshall library should be funded by the people that use it- not corporations. If a city entity- some city $, if county, then county $ can be included. It should be a library of the people who use it, care about it, and call it their own.
• Main Street had more on Main Street 30 years ago than it has now. For the average blue collar worker. Do we have a shoe store in town? Do we have a Penny's store or one equivalent of one where the ladies can go to get their bra's and panties or bed sheets, bath towels, etc? If you like Shopko, Kmart, Walmart some of which is OK but most of it is second rate products made for price only, no quality. I suppose a new library is needed. Build it for the future not for the present the library operation is funded by tax $ but how much more can the tax payers handle. We are now paying on a new school, new roads, they say we need a new jail, a new government center and many other things that all have to be paid by taxes. If you are college graduated and are not the average wage earner $10.00 per hour stops most wages in the town and area. Maybe you can afford all the extra tax burden, a lot of you can't! There are only so many $ to go around and all the government programs and grants and give always have to be paid for. I know it will never happen but we need to all live within our means. My wife and I have all of our lives, we raised a family on one income, we only budget what we could afford, we didn't mortgage our future, we didn't get in trouble with credit cards. We didn't have our home foreclosed on because we bought our way over our income. We bought within our limits. We didn't take big vacations and put it on the credit cards. We have had what has been necessary in life. Maybe we are considered old fashioned but I think that is what our country was founded on, and we need to go back to a lot of the old basic principals. "If it isn't broke don't fix it." "If you don't have the money don't buy it" I'm for progress but lets be reasonable about it.

Additional Comments Regarding Location

• Had I had an opportunity I would have voted to have the old junior high site be the choice for the new library.
• I think any new library should be located in the downtown area.
• I don't feel the need to have one level if it is handy cap accessible. I also think it would be best placed at the old jr high in downtown area.
• We like the Jr High spot. (old high school)
• Who cares if the library is downtown-parking (lack of) is ridiculous-95 percent of people drive to library anyway unless you happen to be downtown for other things and most people will still drive closer than walk several blocks or more. I have actually not gone to library for lack of parking many time.
• Why aren't we viewing old Jr High location for both library & US postal option together these facilities both need more parking-central location?
• Next to the new middle school is an excellent location choice.
• The site at the new middle school is the only one that should be considered.
• I feel the best location would be next to the junior high school to give those kids easy access to get there more safely.
• We are making a big mistake by not putting this library at the site of the old middle school.
• location- proposal OK. But would have been OK w/former middle school site if it met all requirements.
• Excellent location near the new middle school. Floor plan looks very good.
• Prefer library to stay downtown. Tear down junior high building.
• I think the library should be located close to downtown like it already is.
• I feel we need to have a bigger library in a different location. More parking is needed.
• Putting a new library next to a school that already has one is just stupid. Put it on the old junior high site so it is actually downtown. Big money should be spent on looks. The building just needs to be functional.
• I feel strongly that the location should be next to the new middle school off Saratoga and C Street. There is ample parking, kids can ride their bikes over or walk over after school. It is near all the housing South of Marshall and from Main North to College Drive. The lot is big enough for growth. It is also close to the YMCA for people to ride, walk, or drive to.
• The Lyon County library should remain in the downtown area. It should be built on the old middle school property. It also would serve to be a good location for a new city office building which the city will need in the future. There would be ample parking for both. There would be shared building and grounds maintenance for both. Where are the visionaries in Marshall? Does everything come down to how somebody can make a dollar off of something? And do we always have to cow-tow to Schwans?
• I feel the new library should be at the old middle school site.
• The location of the library needs to be at the old middle school sight-The new location will become a babysitting service for the middle school and it will keep patrons from visiting other downtown shops. The library board appears to be too stubborn to look into a deal with Schwans and SWHC which could lead to some much better funding from Schwans-drop the pride and join as a team.
• Proposed site is okay with me-with internet and such unlikely I would be a visitor. Important to have organized children's and seniors events-the middle & high school & college students seem to take care of themselves
• I would donate a small amount even though I don't personally use the library. I may use it more in the future. I think the location for the new library on Saratoga is an excellent choice.
• I would of hoped the library could have been placed where the old middle school was/is. This is downtown location would have been nice.
• I don't like the location for the new library. It should have stayed downtown.
• I worry about the new location with predators being able to see the middle school children/students.
• Want to keep it downtown!!
• Strong preference for downtown site (nor the current proposal by the high school) stand alone section for graphic novels, more DVDs.
• We would like to see the new library downtown at the old middle school location.
• I think the board did a great job on site selection-kudos to them for all their hard work and caring put forth in this project.
• I think the city officials had their heads stuck in the ground when they have East side grade school and the old middle school, which at one time was a high school. I graduated from-there is plenty of parking room in either place and one was close to main street and the other both east to get too. They new those schools were closing long before anyone else did. There wouldn't have had to buy land to past the library on.
• I think they should remain downtown, design a library that fits on the property Schwans will provide and cooperate with Schwans.
• Move it to the old Runnings Store or old Jr Hi site, although the location between the new middle school and Holy Redeemer is good, too. Post office could move over to the old library.
• I think the old Middle School site would be a better location.
• I think the Library Board existing on 1 level is wrong. I would prefer the location near Schwans for the following reasons:
• Closer to where I work.
• Closer to my home.
• More visible to visitors and potential new residents
• Closer to downtown, near more residential areas then the Middle School.
• I believe the Location that Schwan's offered off of W. College Dr would have been the better choice.
• I think it should have been closer to downtown businesses.
• I like the library that we have. I like the location.
• I feel that the library should be built where Varsity Pub is located. Provides adequate parking and represents location, location, location.
• great location
• I AM VERY SATISFIED WITH THE MIDDLE SCHOOL LOCATION AS A SITE FOR THE LIBRARY. I FEEL THE CITY OF MARSHALL SHOULD CONTRIBUTE A LARGER AMOUNT THAN LYON COUNTY BECAUSE THE LIBRARY IS LOCATE IN MARSHALL.
• SARATOGA IS A GOOD LOCATION KEEP THE SAME NAME DON'T HAVE THE NAME "SCHWAN'S" IN IT.
• I think the new library should not be put by the school for fear of weird people getting to close. And Do something stupid. This really bothers me!
• I felt that the New Middle School lot would have been the perfect spot.
• The planned location near school does not have enough room.
• Location suggestion- area across access into back parking lot of Middle School (between main street and middle school-would have main st. access if possible.)
• #12 and #13 either build a new post office of a library and use the other for the extra parking across the street.2.) I also feel that the library should be kept downtown due to younger age students using the resources and needing to find their own way there, walking, biking, roller blading.
• It should have been where the old junior high was along w/ space for a future post office. But the proposed site is OK.
• No not really like Saratoga site. This street is extremely busy already. Wish it was located more in the downtown area.
• I like the chosen location, I would contribute if I had the resources- I truly wish we had not demolished the Carnegie building. It was such a part of Americana. It would have made a wonderful place for small meetings and activities. When ever I travel I always visit for having lost ours.
• I think more consideration should have been taken for the "FREE" land/location offered by Schwan's. I think the biggest problem with the current library is parking.
• Library should be placed downtown at old middle school site, or next to Werly Moving & Storage for traffic reasons

Additional Comments Regarding Structure

• Visit bigger cities libraries and take ideas from them & find out what they would change if they could or what they would add if they could
• We need a beautiful new building as a representation of the importance education and learning has to the citizens of Marshall.
• Keep the controversy out of the paper. Be more creative in fund-raising. Add more practicality to the design so we can afford to operate it. Fireplace-no, kitchen-no, meeting room-no
• Should have improved parking space, looks like a good location, asset to city & county in general
• I'm not opposed to a 2-story library. Elevators can help those who can't manage stairs. Updating would be nice-but for my purposes the current library suits my needs.
• I don't believe the new library should be so close to middle school or to be so concerned about the number of floors. I have always been told it is more expensive to build out instead of up! What happened to the old middle school site?
• I will be more inclined to use the library (new) because of its visibility in the new location and easier access. Also when designing the sign, retain the word "library," there is no reason in my humble opinion, to use words like, "learning center" etc. We can just increase the definition of "library" to include the increasing technologies.
• Make the library accessible to all people no matter what type of disability the may have!!
• I don't see why do many roof angles-higher cost covered walkway in front of building for sitting or walking in-always cold wind from north
• A multiple story building needs less space and could be located in downtown area. Elevators make it handicapped accessible. I don't like the spread-out plan proposed.
• Many services have had to cut budgets. I believe the library board needs to consider cutting back on some of the amenities to make a new library more affordable. It doesn't need to be state-of-the-art. That is why the current library is adequate.
• Never been on any floor but the main floor. Only issue has been parking.
• No need for a Cadillac of a building
• Whatever happened to "quiet" at the library? Every employee should be required to watch the music man library segment parts that want to talk should go out to coffee.
• If there could be good parking- I would visit. I used to have a card (for @ 20 yrs), but it was too big of a hassle to find parking- so just got out of the habit.
• More parking.
• Self-checkouts and a drive through book drop are wonderful. Saratoga location is excellent

Additional Comments Regarding Lyon County's Involvement

• We have a adequate library in Tracy and don't think we would use this library in Marshall.
• Tracy taxpayers are not interested in supporting Marshall's library.
• I am happy I can use the current library and will use the new one when I come to Marshall; easy to return books to Tracy library!
• Will Tracy residents be allowed to use this library without extra charge?
• I can not see why anyone living 15 to 20 miles from Marshall should help pay for it when it is so far to go.
• If Marshall wants it. Marshall should pay for it.
• I would need to drive 50 miles to use the library!!
• I think the new library would be a fine addition to Lyon County.
• Since I don't live in Marshall I was informed that I would have to pay to use it- which I felt was outrageous since I live in Lyon Co library. I've heard that has changed but have never used it in 14 yrs I lived here.
• Why should all of Lyon County be taxed for a library they use very little, if at all? Why should other small communities be taxed, when there own community needs improvements far more important? The city didn't commit "one million dollars"; they own the existing building with an appraised value of five hundred thousand, let them sell it!!! We will already be paying for the expansion of the law enforcement center. Marshall is over built, and like the county, over taxed! Wages paid in this area for the hourly working class, are only enough to survive and not enough to live.
• We have our own library in Minneota. Lyon County should not donate one penny towards Marshall's library.

Other Additional Comments

• The library board leadership seems to be affiliated with SMSU and out of touch with the city and city council.
• I like library four what because of pep pep to work there. (#15)
• The community will benefit so all should support, it is a valuable as the new high school and is for the surrounding area-even more than Lyon County.
• I am a biased opinion as I am the Branch Librarian in Cottonwood, but I can see the changes from over the years (25 to be exact) and know that a new library is necessary to meet the needs for the future.
• Thanks for all the hours of hard work on this project!
• no interest in library.
• I have reservations about the chosen location and the way the school district and city council gave property and money. This money and property belonged to the taxpayers and should have been brought to public for a vote instead of just donate.
• Should be a Marshall library
• This survey is a little late.
• Was the Schwan's plan really so bad that Lyon County had to turn down their millions?
• I feel that the city of Marshall should focus more on getting new businesses in town instead of a new library at this time!
• I have not been in the library for over 25 years
• We don't need a new library because of the internet. Library's are being close or with merged with other's.
• I believe a new library is not needed.
• Pointless to build new library when book stacks and book selection is not growing/updating.
• Since we are 75 & 81 years old and we have no grandchildren or great grandchildren included in Lyon County. Education we think our answers to these questions are redundant. Sorry.
• I don't think the library should be checking out cooking equipment-art prints or be a babysitting service
• The new proposed location is perfect! The proposed building seems adequate for the needs of all offering space and light. I commend the pleasant employees with their helpful service!
• I have all to do to support myself.
• There is no need for another library. We have one college, high school, jr high school. Our library service the needs of Marshall people now and the future.
• change with time or close up. The internet has taken most of the old library mission. It has now become an internet café and day care center! We no longer need a library that can't support itself!
• Let's not make this another Schwan shrine. Let it be about the community as a whole.
• I don't think we need a library that elaborate and big-lots of things are done on the computer now.
• I believe the study already completed, in regard to the need for a new library and in regard to the design and location, has been well done. Fundraising seems to be going well. Keep going.
• good luck!
• It would be nice but is not high on my priority list
• I am in my 90's and my only experience with the library has been the bookmobile which was quite good.
• Progress is great! My problem is I'm 77 years young-won't use it much!
• Are libraries going to be obsolete with the internet available? Compare libraries to encyclopedias.
• Why is this survey so late in coming out?
• I feel that the old library meets the needs of the community, except for parking.
• I feel the library has a great staff that make it a welcoming place. I am often on waiting lists for new books. I realize parking is poor but I almost wish we could have more copies of books instead of a new library. I have waited all summer for new releases. I love having the library downtown as it is handy for errands and I can walk there.
• The library should have more evening and weekend hours for example: 8am - 9pm Monday thru Saturday and Noon - 6pm on Sunday.
• I don't understand why the city of Marshall sells off perfectly good property only then they have to buy new property and build new? Our faith in the leadership of Marshall is waning.
• Get it built, and then get some hours that match when people can be there, ie more evening and weekend hours
• My personal experience are with Miss Rank-the original librarian in the original brick library. My mother worked for her there and at home.
• Too many small groups/businesses have far too much influence.
• What's wrong with the one we have?
• I an sorry the library board did not purchase and expand into the building next to it (to the South)-that would have been much less expensive than putting a whole new complex. Unfortunately, too many have the mind set that something new is more desirable than making do with and/or improving what is already there. For instance, I do not think the current library basement is being well utilized. Studio one could go elsewhere, the storage area could be better organized and the annual book sale could be held elsewhere. A public library is for a certain purpose. Meeting rooms for the community are not necessary, nor are cake pans. The lack of parking space could even be solved in the present location. Hummm!! I should be on the library board!
• You'll change and build it whether you have my $ added to it or not.
• Go look at Redwood Falls library.
• When one we going to stop big spending and level off all. etc. Your one running people out of Marshall, don't you see the light.
• I never use the library
• With the internet how wild do we need to get with a new building? You don't have to see how much money you can spend. Keep it nice but simple!
• TIMING=What other project in the "STATE" and area are requiring public funding???
• There would be a significant increase in my use of the library if there was better parking. The parking situation now impossible.
• With the internet do we really need a full library? Shouldn't we be able to check out on on .? Similar to netflix an concept?
• Computer card catalogs are great for young people but intimidating and impossible for older folks. I would like to see an option to set up e-mail reminders from my account on the website for upcoming due dates.
• This survey is a year late! I feel the one floor issue is not of big concern. Schwans offer should have been accepted.
• It's about time!
• With the fast advances of the high tech industry today-I believe it will come to haunt the library system some day. (computer)
• Wouldn't it be alright to have a nice library without all the bells and whistles. Income doesn't pertain to thought about library why does everything have to be the best when you know in 25 years it isn't going to be good enough for Marshall. How much donations can a person do on fixed income with taxes for the schools, new jail, church, funding for kids projects in school and our own house
• keep it simple and affordable
• I do not feel that a need for a new building has been demonstrated. There are elements within the existing structure that need updating, and it makes the most sense to spend money towards that rather than sinking funds into a new structure. Let's focus first on the offerings ¬inside the building. If the examination of updated offerings demonstrates the need for a new structure, this would be more convincing than simply saying we need a new building.
• Make it a building That is eco-green + user-friendly. Make it Green
• I think a new library would be an asset to our community. We work to provide a YMCA for physical fitness, new and updated schools and we need to provide a newer updated library for additional brain enhancement and pure enjoyment. Reading and technology bring much pleasure for leisure time. Books enhance are imaginations also!
• When my children were in school they used the library very often.
• Waste of money-this is the computer age-Everyone has a computer at home, school, or work to use.
• We have a Public library, College library High School library and most homes have a computer Do we really need another library How many people use the library weekly
• Get it done and done right!
• Go for it & and don't let "major corporations" bully the committee into doing what ¬they want!
• It seems that everyone agrees to a new library but it has really taken a long time to work out the details-the public is ready for the library to be a reality.
• Get all new board members.
• The entire process in considering a new library was tainted by a lack of working together from day one by the library board school board and city council.
• A library filled with shelves full of paper looks outdated. I can look up more information faster on my home computer than in your library. I have never walked into the present library and found all chairs used and long lines at book checkout. As a library board question is, will the new library be better used? Unless you change the traditional way the library operates and stores material and provides access to material your new library see no more use than the present one.
• This survey probably should have been done 2 years ago.
• Now is a poor time for building or expanding. People are poor, without money for food or gas for their cars. Many without jobs. And we have a war going on! Wait till times are better!
• I have has opportunity to use the public library in Alexandria, and felt it was a marvelous facility. You might visit that library for ideas.
• Make up minds and do it. First donor is more than generous. Let's not loose straight of that and don't fool around with everyone's opinion where it should have been located. Someplace with parking available and not put out by Walmart's and new high school or college stop lights are deadly.
• I think the current library is adequate, but a new look would probably benefit the community in the long run.
• Survey should sent out 2 years ago.
• Library hours should be modified to better meet its patron's needs.