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www.mybaycity.com November 5, 2006
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Library Letters

Library Story Takes Center Stage

November 5, 2006       Leave a Comment
By: Letters to the Editor

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Concerning MBC's Library Article Sunday November 5, 2006

Your November 5 story about the new public library contains incorrect information regarding naming the library for the Wirts. You stated: "The naming of a public building is mainly in recognition of service provided the community, be it a city, a college, university, state, etc. We don't look at this naming as a quid pro quo for a donation, and we don't think the Wirts would think of it as such, either."

Wrong! If you read the minutes of the Bay County Library Board of Directors, you'll find that the donation was indeed made by the Wirts solely for the naming rights. This is confirmed by the official minutes of the May 25, 2005, meeting as posted on the Library Board's minutes page.

Here is the information directly from the Library web site: Wirt Capital Campaign Donation - M. Gray asked for a resolution from the board on the Wirt Family donation as it has been offered for a naming opportunity for Central Library. F. Paffhausen requested that the new Central Library be named the Alice and Jack Wirt Public Library, noting the difference that it is not a branch library but a public library.

Your suggestion that the library is valuable because you have a picture of people waiting at the door is ridiculous. If there was a tax supported bar where you could drink for free there would be longer lines than the one you picture. If there was a tax supported golf course where I could golf for free, I would wait in line for it to open. Some people like to read, others like to drink or play golf. Nobody else pays for my golfing --- why should I pay for someone else to read. I agree that the library is a beautiful facility. But it should be paid for by those who use it. If there were unlimited tax monies to pay for all of these niceties, we wouldn't be considering closing a few bridges, would we? If you believe otherwise, please then explain why you shouldn't have to pay for me to play golf. Read very closely--"as it has been offered for a naming opportunity for Central Library." Quid pro quo, we will give you the money, but only if the building is named for us. Kind of turns your logic on its head, and gives credence to the so-called "gripers" who were incensed by this decision.

And for your information, the majority of library systems across this country have formal naming policies in place and they generally agree that 51% of the project's total costs must be contributed before a naming opportunity is granted. In case you're interested, you can check out Fargo, ND, and Madison, WI. Both have formal policies that state the 51% figure, as do many, many more.

Next time you publish an article about the library, be sure you check all the facts first. And you may want to ask the Library Board for a copy of the Wirt's deal memo--the documentation that formalized this agreement. Now THAT would make for interesting reading!

More . . .Concerning MBC's Library Article Sunday November 5, 2006

Very good article!! Well spoken. It doesn't change my mind though because I have already sent it my YES vote!!!

Let's hope there are enough people who see the worth of our libraries and understand their value!! And kudos to you for addressing the naming of the library.

I was with a friend at a local function a couple of weeks ago and the Wirts were there also. My "friend" spoke negatively about them and I was very embarrassed and disappointed in her remarks. I told her I voted yes for the libraries and she stopped her negativity. How sad!

Thank you so much for a fine article,

Still, More . . .Concerning MBC's Library Article Sunday November 5, 2006

Your suggestion that the library is valuable because you have a picture of people waiting at the door is ridiculous. If there was a tax supported bar where you could drink for free there would be longer lines than the one you picture.

If there was a tax supported golf course where I could golf for free, I would wait in line for it to open. Some people like to read, others like to drink or play golf. Nobody else pays for my golfing --- why should I pay for someone else to read.

I agree that the library is a beautiful facility. But it should be paid for by those who use it. If there were unlimited tax monies to pay for all of these niceties, we wouldn't be considering closing a few bridges, would we? If you believe otherwise, please then explain why you shouldn't have to pay for me to play golf.

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