release date: May 18, 2001
WEST SIDE LIBRARY TO CLOSE
At the April meeting of the Massillon Public Library Board of Trustees,
the Library Board voted unanimously to permanently close the West Side
Branch, located at 628 Tremont Ave SW, Massillon, effective Saturday,
May 26, 2001 at 5:00 p.m.
The West Side Branch of the Massillon Public Library opened its doors in
1936. Since that time the building has served hundreds of patrons, but
that number has been steadily declining in recent years. There is no
handicapped access in the building.
Annual operating costs for the almost 7,000 square foot building were
$51,268.32 in 2000. This total does not include telephone,
administrative/custodial supplies, insurance, or the copy machine. It
currently costs $4,272.36 a month to keep the West Side Branch open when
only 11,000 materials (excluding interlibrary loans and books on the
trade racks) circulated last year. At a little more than 900 materials
per month, it costs $4.66 to circulate each one compared with just $1.61
for each item circulated at Main.
An assessment by Harris Day Architects determined the Library would need
to invest approximately $595,000 to bring the building’s systems up to
code. Person's wishing to see the full report may do so by asking for
it at the branch or at the Main Library’s Reference Department.
As of June 1, telecommunication configuration will no longer support the
computerized circulation system or the Internet. To install new
computer lines would cost in excess of $5,500, with a monthly charge of
at least $100.
The library is currently investigating the possibility of acquiring a
bookmobile which would serve its entire service area and would provide
the taxpayers with lower cost than a stationary branch in such close
proximity to the Main Library. The materials from the West Side Branch
could be used as a core collection for the future bookmobile.
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PR contact: Amy Badertscher, Public Relations Manager
330-832-9831 ext. 334
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