For the past 3 days, we have been working in Ames, Iowa to assist the public library in preparing itself for the next 30 years. There were a series of 5 public meetings attended by nearly 150 people in all. The library is located in a building originally built in 1904 and expanded in 1940 and 1984. 

Ames has a population of nearly 58,000 people yet its circulation is close to 1,400,000 items per year (that is not a typo). They circulate over 24 items for every person in the city. That puts them in the top ten of cities under 60,000 in the U.S. More amazingly, they circulate what a city of 220,000 would typically circulate.

During the public meetings, we received many questions and listened to the strong and heartfelt emotions of many people. It was clear that there is passion, skepticism, concern and hope for rectifying the inadequacies of the library space. It was particularly telling in the Monday night meeting when one person stormed out of the meeting because they suspected that the meeting was only for show and that we had a predetermined solution. I respect that person’s right to feel that way and take the action as a recommendation that I have to do a better job of presenting the facts.

After the meeting and during the next day, we also received many complements about the meetings, our willingness to listen. Many people expressed their hope that the city can reach a consensus on what to do. I am very optimistic and look forward to 6 months of hard work, careful attention to what people are saying and working with the citizens to find the right solution. Democracy is messy–but it is the best system in the world. 

I hope those who chose to leave early return. If they choose not to, I hope they continue to remain loyal members of an extraordinary group of people who are using their library intensely. It will be an interesting journey. –Jeff Scherer