I use both the Highlands and main Renton Library extensively and I support Sally Scott’s well-reasoned suggestion to preserve the library in its present location. Our current library setting is indeed both beautiful and unique and I believe that the suggestion that our Chamber of Commerce take over the central Renton location that has been suggested for the library is a much more appropriate use of that site.

King Country Library Services Director Bill Ptacek has commented on the good bids we’ve been getting for construction and I suggest that the City Council take advantage of that to support upgrading of the current downtown Renton library, which is 22,000 square feet and a much more suitable size for our main library.

It seems that the council has been long on communicating the value of the Big 5 site and short on examining the positive aspects of the current site, not least of which is citizen support for an enhancement of the existing site.

Since the merger with KC Library System, I am discouraged by the sharp reduction of books available on site.  The effort to build relevant collections apparently does not include actual books as well as electronic media. The idea of a new software system was auspicious but it was poorly executed. In effectively managing KCLS director Bill Ptacek states that “planning is done by collaboration between labor and management.”  I want to see our council support the inclusion of Renton Library patrons in that formula….after all, it is our tax dollar.

Peggy Eskenazi

Renton