Michelle Heiderers response (10/25) to my letter to the editor (10/18) regarding new library metrics missed the point. I made mention that our present library was overcrowded, and didnt suggest that the Internet entirely replaces the library. The data indicates that the Internet reduces library use per capita so growth is slower than it once was, which can cause planners to overstate future needs. There is no doubt that a good library is a valuable asset for an educated public.
My letter presented data that readers could use to make their own conclusions. My personal conclusions are that voters should examine the numbers of each capital purchase beyond those presented by special interest groups so that we can see that our tax dollars are aptly spend, that the proposal we are given is somewhat grandiose given the projected needs and that while I would prefer to vote for a significant, yet less expansive proposal, it would be prudent to vote yes for the bond since a protracted delay would make the existing library at additional overcapacity prior to completion of the new facility.
Brian Laine
Arlington