By Ashley ThompsonCONNECT
Advocates launch website, petition to save libraries in danger of closing
COBB COUNTY, GA (CBS46) -
Some may argue that libraries are no longer relevant, with all sorts of technology at our fingertips, but for many what's inside of those buildings still served an important purpose.
"When I was a little kid we didn't have a ton of money," said Becca Duvall. "I went to the library in the summertime and that provided me this space to learn and grow."
Public libraries provide access to computers, the internet, textbooks and research support.
Now eight of them are in danger of closure or consolidation. In Cobb County there is a $30 million shortfall, and closing libraries would save millions.
"The library might be the only outside of school internet or computer that they have. So it's really more than just books, it's resources especially for those in underprivileged areas and communities," said Duvall.
Duvall and Rachel Slomovitz are behind a social media blitz to keep all of the libraries open.
The 'Save Cobb Libraries' ground swell just launched a site and Facebook page showing residents how to take action and get involved.
The group also have more than 1,500 signatures on a Change.orgpetition, which will be turned over to commissioners.
"The chairman has said that the libraries are one of the hottest of the top button topics," said Ross Cavitt.
Cavitt is the communications director for Cobb County. He said no decision on the closures has been made.
"It will all depend in July on what the commission decides the mileage rate to be and how that will support keeping everything open."
The proposal suggests consolidating the Kennesaw and Acworth libraries and closing the East Cobb, Kemp Memorial, Lewis A. Ray, Sweetwater Vallet, Sibley and Windy Hill Libraries.
The Windy Hill Branch which is used primarily by those with special needs.
"I think in Cobb County it's easy for the more affluent of us to forget that there are these resources that people depend on," Duvall said.
The commission will vote on a budget on July 24.
Before then, there will be a total of 10 town halls and public hearings where residents can address commissioners.
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Groundbreaking for new North Cobb library set for Tuesday
Cobb officials are set to break ground on the new North Cobb Regional Library on Tuesday afternoon. The rendering above shows an architect's design for the new library, to be built on Old Highway 41 across the street from North Cobb High School.
Special to the MDJ-Courtesy Cobb County government
Cobb officials will break ground on its newest library Tuesday at 3 p.m.
The North Cobb Regional Library will be located at 3535 Old Highway 41 in Acworth, directly across from North Cobb High School.
In November, the Cobb Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a $1.33 million design/build contract with Cumberland-based Batson-Cook Company for the 25,000-square-foot library.
The county’s 2016 special 1-percent sales tax earmarked $8.64 million for the new library. Batson-Cook’s work on the North Cobb Regional Library will include finding subcontractors to build the different components of the building as well as determining a guaranteed maximum price of the facility, which will need approval by commissioners.
When it opens, the new library is slated to lead to the consolidation of the Acworth and Kennesaw libraries, both of which were built in 1967 as 2,916-square-foot brick and cinder block buildings.
The groundbreaking comes just over a month after Cobb Commission Chairman Mike Boyce said it may be necessary to close eight of Cobb’s public libraries or face a property tax increase to fill a budget shortfall.
Among the new facility’s planned features are dedicated adult, teen and children’s areas as well as quiet study rooms, a computer commons, collaborative space and a community room.
Parking will be available for attendees of the groundbreaking ceremony at NorthStar Church, 3413 Blue Springs Road, Kennesaw.
