We have never disputed that the library is in need of significant mechanical upgrades or that the existing space has limitations that need to be addressed. However, as noted in the op-ed, the architecture firm hired by the city to design a new library brought forward a renovation alternative that could have done all of those things--even if the firm itself and SPPL weren't committed to renovation. And the city could sell the building to a nonprofit or other organization that wants to repurpose it for a different use, allowing a private party to take advantage of the available historic tax credits while the city secures another location for a new building. something SPPL leadership dismissed out of hand. It should also be noted that the process became adversarial because of the tactics employed by SPPL leadership in conjunction with City administration, as detailed above. It was not the result of neighbors who were unwilling to work for a shared vision.
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