Comments on: Guest Column: Board meeting sheds light on library situation

By: Marie Pizarro

Marie Pizarro — Thu, 03 May 2012 15:07:16 +0000

I agree, we should be doing all we can to broaden our libraries with resources in all formats. But, what I don’t understand is why this is news. I honestly believe the SOS organization is a union-backed organiztion with a one item agenda of getting the Director fired. The plan that is so often referred to is a draft. It was leaked to the public. Investigative journalism would at least want to know who leaked the plan and why. I would like to know who leaked it. Why? The Board has stated libraries are not closing, lay-offs will not happen, print materials will remain at all locations, Main Library space will not be leased, Sullivan Center will not replace any library location and/or take resources away from personnel and materials budget. What more do you need? Rockford already has a reputation of getting rid of forward thinkers. Please consider giving the library Board and its Director an opportunity to survey the public and plan accordingly. Step away from the mic at Board meetings with all the hate speech. I’m sure they don’t need to be stalked, micro-managed, and threatened by the public.

By: a murphy

a murphy — Thu, 03 May 2012 13:46:20 +0000

Why does Mr. Korn keep harping on a board requested document that was for discussion only? What exactly does he want? Could he not follow the recommendation from a commenter on a previous article of Mr. Korn’s and go find something in his own community to work on?
Why do people refuse to recognize how many locations the library HAS on the west side compared to the east side?
And why do people not become fully informed before posting this crap for public consumption?
Does Mr. Korn REALLY know why Mr. Strong left the library?
Does Ms. Leon REALLY know that the Open Meetings Act was violated? Why does she not cite specifics?
Are these people REALLY working to better Rockford Public Library, or just spouting for their 15 minutes of fame?

By: David Soll

David Soll — Wed, 02 May 2012 22:54:09 +0000

I was at this particular meeting and even spoke before the board. I did not identify myself as a candidate for county board here in Winnebago county and do so now.

I excepted Paul Logli’s admonishment of those in attendance about the Robert’s Rule of Conduct as par for the course, but was incensed when Jeff Glass interupted Jesus and Mr. Logli said nothing.

For myself, I am not intending to accuse anyone on the board of anything nefarious, but it says a lot that the east side branch faces little if any changes, but the two west side libraries face serious changes to the point of being gutted.

It is almost as if certain powers that be want to make it that much harder for west side residents to be able to easily access a library with full shelves. Kind of makes one wonder why?

I realize money is an issue with everything local these days, but we should be doing all we can to broaden our libraries, not shrinking them.