[SmithL]

Everyone is a Community Activst in Beserkeley.

[Navy Patriot]

Berkeley doesn't need a library, old or new. Their citizens already know everything, just ask 'em.

On second thought, don't.

[JPG]

Rat vs Rat is becoming a common occurrence as the money dries up. Rule 1 still holds. Socialism doesn't work.

[Michael.SF.]

[stylin19a]

here the wording of the ballot meassure

"This bond measure would authorize the issuance of $26 million of general obligation bonds.

The bond measure specifies that bond proceeds would be limited to renovation, construction, seismic, and disabled access improvements, and expansion of program areas at the City’s four neighborhood branch libraries, but not the Central Library downtown.

Current plans for renovation include restoration and refurbishment of historic features at the branch libraries as part of any renovation."

would this measure have passed if demolition\rebuild was the reason ? assuming they could do it for 26 million ?

[Kieri]

Oooh, sounds like they want a fine library like Detroit!

"Machie said officials argued about the value of the two fireplaces — which cost $5,021 apiece — but she said staff pushed for them because they had seen them in suburban libraries. The 24 pendant light fixtures hanging above computers cost $531 each.

Machie said she wouldn't have approved the chairs because they can be easily damaged. She said she has had to remove new leather chairs from the Skillman branch downtown and replace them with wooden ones after homeless people defecated on them.

From The Detroit News: http://detnews.com/article/20110422/METRO/104220381/Critics--$2.3M-Detroit-library-project-a-symbol-of-waste-amid-budget-crisis#ixzz1KqS5hXD9

[Sherman Logan]

FWIW, knock it down and rebuild is sometimes a good deal less expensive than remodel/renovate.