It probably should come as no surprise that an open house presented by the King County Library System was filled with rancor, frustration and shouting.
And, some pretty important information.
For three years the fate of Renton’s two libraries, including the beloved one over the Cedar River, has ripped at the hearts of residents and divided the city’s leadership. That’s plenty of time for nerves to fray, especially since there’s no clear way forward after all these years.
Tuesday night at the downtown library a huge crowd heard KCLS Director Bill Ptacek and his staff and consultants explain the working concept for the new downtown library. I could have written the word “plan,” too, because I believe that a smaller library and moving the library’s entrance are a key part of that working concept. Residents are right to speak loudly about those two key concepts, which really feel like decisions.
Tuesday’s meeting was an exercise in democracy, a contentious discussion that left some people uncomfortable and dismayed by some uncivil behavior and others informed by compelling facts about the real costs of preserving the Cedar River library.
So, now how to move forward. This was one of KCLS’s typical open houses about early design decisions. A similar one was held for the Piazza library, rejected overwhelmingly by voters.
First, KCLS officials need to work at learning how to listen to Renton residents. “Divde and conquer” perhaps is too strong to describe KCLS’s intent for the small group discussions; but it should have been clear to KCLS that many in Renton don’t like that format, even if it’s effective.
Mayor Denis Law and the City Council have what is perhaps the greatest political and policy controversy to face the city’s leadership in recent times. They have to follow agreements with KCLS, but not forget that many residents are giving them real-time direction.
The City Council is right to at least put de-annexation from KCLS on the table. But that has to be only so the council and citizens can fully debate all issues before them. The city can’t go back now, without a huge expense, on ensuring library services for its citizens.
And let’s not forget that there’s a second new library, too, the one in the Highlands that is a cornerstone of the redevelopment of the Sunset area. Renton’s users of that library deserve equal say and consideration in this debate.
KCLS needs to learn to listen – or make it clear it is listening through actions – and Renton’s leaders need to heed the advice of those they serve.
But listening and heeding are only part of this.
Financial reality and political necessity may mean a bright new library straddles the Cedar River. That’s certainly acceptable if we remember that what happens inside that library, including new family traditions, are what’s worthwhile.
