Will the Branch libraries be cut next year? Some bad news or good news.

Junad says:
"I believe the best solution to this continued mess is to have the citizens of North Evanston form their own library taxing district to take over the operation. ( the same in South Evanston if there is interest)"

I've heard this idea floated by the Central Street NIMBYs before. Now, if the residents of Central Street want to pay an extra tax to keep their branch library, I think that is a great idea.

However, if this is an attempt to cut off funding for the downtown library district, then it is of course unacceptable.

If North Evanston wants to completely secede from the rest of Evanston's library system, there must be some rules, most importantly:

1. The new North District must assume its "Fair Share" (I love that term) of any debt of any kind, currently held by the Evanston system.

2. The North District will not inherit any property - including books or furniture or computer systems - from the Central District, without proper payment.

So Junad says:
"hat is have the city turn over the building - both sides and the new district will pay to get it renovated. Also continue to keep the part-time staff which is very cost effective and keep the place running."

Again, Junad, if the north side is still paying into the Central Library, this is fine. If not, then the proper solution is for the city to sell the building - both sides, to the highest bidder.

We can't let the rest of Evanston be left with the burden of maintaining a large Central library when one neighborhood just wishes to walk out. What if the west side decides to walk out too?

The bigger issue is: can we let a particular region of Evanston secede, just to avoid payment of taxes?

If so, I propose that the downtown region - including the hotels, Central Business District, and adjacent NU campus secede from the school districts. We could form our own district - or, more likely , negotiate agreements with neighboring districts to accept our residents in exchange for tuition payments. I think that we downtown residents would save a lot of money, because we wouldn't be subsidizing all those kids who don't live downtown.

We also need to consider whether there should be more local control over zoning matters. Downtown residents - who appreciate the value of the Tower - should not be overruled by NIMBY's from the far NW corner of the City. Perhaps we could form our own Planning Commission and Zoning Board of Appeals.

Of course, if the residents up north continue to pay into the Evanston Library system, I don't care if they want to pay more for their own unique and charming branch library.