posted September 2, 2008
The Chattanooga-Hamilton County Library System will become the subject of a focused community dialogue to gather ideas, dreams and support for now and into the future. A library task force, appointed by Mayor Ron Littlefield and chaired by Jim Kennedy III, will hold a public session on Thursday, Sept. 18, at 7 p.m. at the Sheraton Read House.
Officials said, "During the last 25 years, our community has enjoyed a revitalization envied by communities throughout the country. Citizens and visitors flock to our transformed downtown and riverfront areas, the genesis of which can be traced to the early 1980’s when hundreds of people participated in a process to re-imagine our community. It is now commonplace for Chattanooga citizens to participate in the important discussions about goals for our future.
"Our library has not, until now, enjoyed that same focused attention. For the last year, a library task force has been studying the current state of our library system and now wants to invite the community into the discussion."
Mr. Kennedy said, “Libraries throughout the country are changing to meet the 'Internet age' needs of patrons and are becoming exciting cultural institutions as well as places to support life-long learning. There are many ways that libraries can serve and become a thriving center for community activity. We are anxious to hear from hundreds of people as we consider the future of our library.”
Mayor Littlefield said, “Many citizens, when thinking of a library, often believe that nothing will change. Libraries are simply a collection of books and, perhaps, not relevant to their lives. We know, however, that throughout the country, libraries are still vibrant, exciting places offering more than books. In Chattanooga, we know that when the collective brainstorming of people is engaged, everything will change.”
According to Karen McMahon, project manager, “The historic Read House is the perfect location to hold this important event. It is located only one block from the Central Library and it too has been serving this community for decades and is a perfect example of preserving our history but gracefully changing to accommodate the present and the future.”
The public is invited on Sept. 18 "to hear an exciting presentation about how libraries throughout the world are transforming and then offer their own ideas for our library system."
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