The proposed new County library services for the West Ranch communities of Sunset Pointe, Stevenson Ranch, Southern Oaks and Westridge is already garnering interest from City of Santa Clarita residents in Valencia and Newhall. Many City residents are upset with the heavy-handed way the County Libraries were taken over and the cost overruns associated with that process.
Several residents have complained about the time and additional cost in ordering a book from another library collection. One resident said; “I am very unhappy about the Newhall and Valencia libraries now being part of the Santa Clarita Library system.” Another city resident followed on with; “I do not use the Santa Clarita library system since they went behind our citizens backs without any input from us about changing the libraries to city owned. We would welcome an LA County Library in Stevenson Ranch.”
That said the County appears to be working quickly in facilitating the process in getting a new library planned and sited. Engaging the community directly and through the West Ranch Town Council – the proposed new library will be a facility that was designed around the community’s needs and desires. The County had the forethought to hire a seasoned library consultant who made an inspiring first impression.
That consultant has encouraged local residents to complete an online survey which asks a series of questions relevant to demographics, technology access, library use, and desired programs. Having the survey online is convenient and will allow for a wider participation of residents that are unable to attend the community meetings. The survey literarily only takes a few minutes, is anonymous if you want and is available to anyone that desires to participate so please take a moment have your voice heard: Vision 91381 Survey.
There have already been several community meetings regarding the proposed new library, with the most recent being held at the Stevenson Ranch Elementary School multi-purpose room in March. That meeting was attended by over 40 interested residents and had a detailed overview of the proposed new library planning process.
Of course, there is concern as to where the library will by built with a number of residents suggesting various locations from Richard Rioux Park; the parking lot at Pico Canyon Park and vacant retail space on The Old Road. There is no doubt that the location will be a debated issue amongst residents that are looking to have it closer to their neighborhoods as such amenities add to the desirability of a community. Let’s face it, a new library will add value to property prices in the area and continue to the upscale nature of the west side.
With a public asset such as a library, many agree it should be a newly built facility and not put in a retail location which makes it less appealing to local children either walking or riding their bikes to the library. There is also more flexibility in a library being designed for a location instead of shoehorning it into an existing retail space. It’s also better to see taxpayer dollars spent on an owned asset rather than thrown out the window in rent!
Without question, there is a lot to discuss but at least the process is moving at a relatively good pace. The good news is that in the interim residents can enjoy the Stevenson Ranch Express Library at Dr. Richard H. Rioux Memorial Park located at 26233 W. Faulkner Dr. in Stevenson Ranch. This mobile library facility will be at the park Tuesday through Saturday until the new library is built. To find out exact hours click here: Stevenson Ranch Express Library.
The next meeting will be hosted by the West Ranch Town Council on Wednesday, September 7, 2011 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM also in the Stevenson Ranch Elementary School multi-purpose room located at 25820 Carroll Lane in Stevenson Ranch. The West Ranch Town Council is also planning another meeting in October as well which will give an overview of all the information gathered to date and detail the next steps that will be needed in getting the proposed new library built.
Have your voice heard and get involved by attending a community meeting!
Dave Bossert- Commentary
Dave Bossert is a community volunteer who serves on a number of boards and councils. His commentaries represent his own opinions and not necessarily the views of any organization he may be affiliated with or those of the West Ranch Beacon.
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