Around Sandy Springs

By Beth

January 7, 2008 8:27 AM | Link to this

You raised some valid points here, for sure. I’d be pretty sad, though, if the Sandy Springs library didn’t exist. I don’t go as often as I used to, but it’s definitely tops on my list of libraries, and I don’t even live in Sandy Springs. It has a good selection of fiction and tends to have the nonfiction I’m looking for when I have to do the odd bit of research involving actual books. Besides that, I just like the atmosphere.

By jcr

January 7, 2008 9:53 AM | Link to this

Maybe since people are becoming more “green”, they’ll start borrowing books more often, instead of buying them? You know, save a few trees here and there. How many times are you going to read the same book over and over? What’s the point of keeping books, anwyay? They become dust collectors. I do receive books as gifts, but I pass them along once I’ve read them, or I donate them to the local library for their book sales.

Speaking from experience, if you can get library funding, use it. Who knows what will happen in the future? It was an uphill battle to get funding for the libary here. Then, even though the funding was approved for a specific project and the building erected, a few idiots on the BOC refused to release the money—-for books.

You don’t need lots of library space, but efficient space. You can go online and reserve a book via the Atlanta-Fulton library system, and pick it up at your local branch. Granted, sometimes it takes a while for new releases, but what’s the rush? Read something else in the meantime.

By WTF?

January 7, 2008 10:22 AM | Link to this

The Sandy Springs library is one of the nicer libraries in the county, why would they build a new one? I’ve been to it (my daughter is in school in the area), and I’ve been to many of the ones further south in the county. Guess what? There are older library buildings further south that no one is interested in renovating, let alone rebuilding. And yes, they get used a lot, I see it with my own two eyes. But for those patrons (southside), who cares if there are only a few computers (as opposed to the dozens I counted in SS), who cares if the facility is old and outdated, who cares if the selection of books is poor? Not a dayum soul, because only the “northside” folks deserve the better things!!! Bullshyt!!!!!

This is a classic case of folks who think they are better than others because of their material posessions wasting valuable resources on things they don’t need while others who are just as deserving go without!!!

By Amy

January 7, 2008 11:45 AM | Link to this

Don’t know about the differences between libraries in the county but your point about not needing them at all is pretty uninformed.

We use the library constantly, and as accessible as the “net” is, it is still much more beneficial for school projects and reports to find an age-appropriate BOOK on a subject, there is too much info on the “net”.

I agree about dust collectors and not wanting tons of books in my home anymore - checking them out and returning them has helped my budget and my clutter, and we enjoy our outings to the library. Still view it as a priveledge to have a card and passing that on to my kids.

By Maria

January 7, 2008 12:17 PM | Link to this

I moved to Buckhead from Sandy Springs last year, but I still head up Roswell Rd. at least once a month to use the Sandy Springs Library. It has a great selection of books — much wider than the Buckhead branch’s selection — and people are good about being quiet in the designated quiet areas. It’s roomy, it’s somewhat aesthetically pleasing, and the librarians have always been helpful. I’ve got no complaints.

I don’t see any reason for library use to decline in the near future. I think the days of e-books as a major medium are still a long way off. And in Atlanta, we’re seeing a big increase in high-density housing, which means less storage space for huge book collections. My husband and I live in a 2-bedroom condo, and our bookshelves are packed to the brim. We don’t have the space to bring in the number of books we read between us every year, no matter whether those books are new or used. Our major use of the library is checking out new or semi-new works of fiction, but I do sometimes check out research books there, too. Sure, if I just want to know who starred in a particular movie, or where a certain word has its linguistic roots, I go straight to the Internet. But for some topics, I need more than just a cursory exploration. I need, you know, a book-length work.

The Sandy Springs library is never empty when I go. There are always plenty of people there checking out books or using the Net or reading periodicals. Unless they’re experiencing major space constraints that the general public doesn’t know about, I say keep the building the way it is and send the library building funds to areas of the county where they’re more acutely needed.

By Rebecca Mendelsohn

January 7, 2008 1:10 PM | Link to this

Hi,

I am a Librarian in training, almost done with my MA in Library Science. I think that libraries are still relevant in today’s world. Libraries serve as a familiar public service location for everyone in the community, providing information not only from books, but from the local government. These services are especially helpful for immigrants as well.

Although you don’t use the library yourself, it is essential for many others. People who may not have access to computers at home (yes, they do exist in Sandy Springs) can use them at the library. And you can rent DVDs and tapes for free. Also, children need the library for storytime and to learn to read, which is the foundation of education.

Basically, the library is the community hub and an equal-opportunity provider of information. Just because many of us can afford easy access to info. now doesn’t mean that everyone can.

By Elaine

January 7, 2008 2:45 PM | Link to this

There are many of us that place excellent community library and library system as high priorities when targeting home location for purchase. I am grateful for the menu of services offered at Sandy Springs but the TOP remains excellent book selection. My husband and I are speed readers and reader-holics. In past week we read two excellent Fall,2007 releases Journals of historical figures, a book for each of our individual book clubs, and I read two mysteries. My husband has several monthly publications he finds intellectual necessities plus his enjoyment of DVD’s. We could not afford to support “OUR HABIT” without the wondeful library system. For us it is the best benefit of our hefty yearly tax bills. As for new facility, that can best be addressed by healthy building, healthy materials circulation, parking, utilities,etc. studies. There is also an emphasis in the Dekalb System to update, enlarge,or build new facilities.

By Kevin

January 7, 2008 3:48 PM | Link to this

After almost many years, I recently got a library card at the Woodstock library. I am using it quite a bit because I can read authors I am interested in while not having to invest funds in purchasing their books. If I don’t like their fiction, I am not out funds. I also can find books on nonfiction subjects that I may desire to do more reading. To me, the library is as relevant to me today as it was when I was a child and my mother took me.

By mp

January 7, 2008 3:54 PM | Link to this

well where else are all the fines going to go, georgias libraries are no longer a simple place to borrow a book the rules and fines have built to the point where I hate going there and dont unless I absolutly have to did you know If you have a fine over 30$ the send it to a collection agency! that could be one book that you misplaced or that you child misplaced. and if you dont jump to pay them they report you faster than any bisness I know of its aggavateing.. I know get orginized, renew your books ,blah blah blah but every year or so I rack up a fine

By Scott

January 7, 2008 4:04 PM | Link to this

I love the library (age 36) and use it often. I haven’t had to purchase a magazine subscription in years or rent a movie from blockbuster. The books are great. Although I may have to wait a couple of weeks to get a bestseller, I’m ok with that.

I just read an article a week ago about how people in the 18-25 age group are using the library more and more. Now, if they would just install a coffee bar and stay open later, it could be even better.

Here’s the article: http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5iji9jHabSKl0qe49ebgaSax1-k_wD8TS29QO1

By mp

January 7, 2008 4:38 PM | Link to this

they don’t need a new library the want one and they are listened to because they are in an affluent area I am a middle class family and we use the library alot because we can’t afford to buy all the books we need and our 4 children are required to read for school and I have one child that reads a couple books a week.the library is a great resource some of the rules have changed lately to make the books less accessible to those who most NEED it they report any fines over 30 $ to the a collection agency! and the fines have doubled.If the libray system really cared about litteracy in this state they would build more libraies instead of replaceing old ones and stop the new fines and collections practice there are states that do

By Teresa

January 7, 2008 4:46 PM | Link to this

As a Georgia public librarian of many years, I can say that while Mr. Ostermann may not use his local library, in 2006 (the last year for which we have full statistics), more than 31.95 million visits were made to public libraries in Georgia*. so no, they’re not obsolete yet.

*from Georgia Public Library Service

By missandie

January 7, 2008 4:52 PM | Link to this

We go to the Sandy Springs library every week. Although a new library would be nice, I am sure we could go without for some years to come. What would be a great upgrade to our branch? An electrical overhaul. I can’t count the times I have been in the library and the power has gone out. Hopefully the funds we receive can address that issue.

By Josh

January 7, 2008 4:56 PM | Link to this

“There is not such a cradle of democracy upon the earth as the Free Public Library, this republic of letters, where neither rank, office, nor wealth receives the slightest consideration.” ~Andrew Carnegie

Libraries are one of the last non-corporate public spaces remaining in this country. They are places were people can come together and learn, congregate, and socialize without being expected to buy something. It provides a free education to those who cannot afford a post secondary education. It provides resources (book, electronic, dvd, cd, etc.) to those individuals who cannot afford it, or do not feel that there is a need to spend, spend, spend (which is what corporate America wants us to do) on something they might only want to use once. If your local government is wanting to spend money on renovating your local library then by all means, throw your support behind it. This is one of the few institutions remaining in this great country that has not been turned into an advertising/money making scheme for corporations. The future of America lies in its libraries.

By jay

January 7, 2008 6:38 PM | Link to this

If you aren’t sure if the library is being used don’t base it on your own, freely admitted, limited experience. Ask the library for their figures. They are bound to have stats. I don’t know a library that doesn’t keep stats simply because it’s the only way they can stay open in the face of sceptics. And if you can do all your research on the net then your research needs are pretty shallow. Not everything is here yet.

By Doris

January 7, 2008 7:40 PM | Link to this

The writer of this article obviously has internet access at home, the ability to “browse” at good will for books, knows what books he wants or needs. Not everyone is in that situation.

Also, I must caution that any student who thinks that anything they find on the internet is reliable is sadly mistaken.

And yes, I do work in a library.

By Jen

January 7, 2008 8:26 PM | Link to this

Seriously? Of course libraries are still relevant, if not more so than they have been in the past.

Libraries have and will continue to allow an equal opportunity, equal access to knowledge and education. What’s more, they are a community center in a time when the only place to connect in a public sphere is to purchase something at a coffee shop or, G-d forbid, to go shopping at the mall. There is nothing wrong with either of these things, but I’d rather embrace a public space centered around self improvement and knowledge, at least for my children’s sake.

Libraries are definitely changing with the times, along with the old definition of what a library is and should do. If anything, in addition to being a place for all members of a community to access technology, they are also a repository of historical materials and the visual and literary evidence of our culture for posterity.

By MD native

January 8, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

I often visit the Sandy Springs library and see no reason to replace it. The staff is great, so is the selection. Most times I request the books on line and when they arrive, they call me to pick them up. Works like a charm. On weekends I’ll walk there from my house (2 miles round trip) so it gets me out in the neighborhood and gets me some much needed exercise. No reason to spend money on land, design fees, and interiors when what we have now is fantastic.

By M Jones

January 8, 2008 2:37 PM | Link to this

The question was “Does Sandy Springs need a NEW library?” Most of these responses are debating whether a library is needed at all.

There is nothing wrong with the current library - NO - Sandy Springs does NOT need a NEW library!!

By Tech2008

January 8, 2008 3:01 PM | Link to this

Has Sandy Springs heard of the “Internet”. People don’t go to the library anymore to do research. Almost everything that is needed is online. No more libraries are needed. Having people go online to read a book or do research online is a better idea. Go Green and Sandy Springs can save some money.

By BillP

January 8, 2008 3:06 PM | Link to this

The Sandy Springs library IS fairly new. It just opened sometime in the early 90’s. When I moved to the area in 1992 they had a library set up in old elementary school on Hammond Dr. VERY shortly after that they moved into their new location which is where they currently are.

By dv

January 8, 2008 5:23 PM | Link to this

a new library would be a very bad investment. the trend-lines all point to one direction… a decline in brick & mortar libraries. doesn’t mean people aren’t reading or learning, they’re just using new mediums to accomplish it. if libraries weren’t subsidized they would already be boarded up. make them adjust, put their collections online, adapt… that’s what free markets do.

By Michael Gale

January 8, 2008 6:19 PM | Link to this

Mr. Osterman,

 I believe that your stance against building a new library in Sandy Springs is very one sided, and that some of the points that you make to prove your argument are inaccurate.  Your sixth paragraph states that you cannot recall the last time you have been to a library, and that you can do all of your research on the Internet.  This doesn't mean that a new library isn't a necessary resource that we need, it just shows that you are past the point in your life that you need to use a library to collect accurate information.  
In your seventh paragraph, you stated "When our kids were finishing their last years of high school, the library was not a necessary stop for them to gather information for term papers and research work.  They also had access to the Net, not to mention the encyclopedia that came with the computer."  This statement is inaccurate.  As a fifteen year old sophomore at Centennial High School, I know for a fact that our school and county administrative systems deem most Internet sources as unreliable unless they are provided by a major research facility, a college or university, or a government web address.  
I have done countless research papers, and all of them require that we use specific sources.  Unlike some older people who do research simply for self-enrichment on a subject, most students are given a breakdown of what sources to use.  For example, a state administered rubric for an Honors Chemistry research paper that I just wrote on the chemical effects of marijuana on the brain required me to use a maximum of ONE reliable Internet source and a minimum of THREE book sources (all nonfiction book sources are assumed reliable).  Where did I go to find these research books on the chemical effects of marijuana on the brain?  Certainly my school library did not have an extensive knowledge on this subject, so I turned to the Alpharetta Public Library.
In Conclusion: libraries are still a vital part of our community, and are used by many students and adults.  Our libraries need to be updated with new statistics that have been found during newly conducted research experiments in order for our book sources to stay reliable and accurate.

Sincerely, Michael Gale

By DJ

January 9, 2008 11:41 AM | Link to this

First, Sandy Springs has the second largest Metro population of OVER 100,000 thousand residents. Second, Sandy Springs is 40 square miles. Third, Sandy Springs day-time population swells to 500,000 every day. The cities of Doraville, Chamblee, and Decatur all under 18,000 residents all under 4 square miles and all have a library. However, large Sandy Springs only has ONE…… C-R-A-Z-Y

By James D. Barker Jr.

January 9, 2008 1:06 PM | Link to this

I agree with the comments that libraries are still essential. We have a huger library at home but have quit buying books except for a few special ones. It is so easy to get them from the library - put them on hold from wherever they are and pick them up at Sandy Springs. And you can’t get new books at Goodwill.

On the other had I think the building we have is adequate.

By Aaron Burr V. Mexico

January 9, 2008 1:20 PM | Link to this

Why do we need live plays when we have movies?

Why do we need art museums when we have photography?

Why do we need you when we can outsource your job overseas?

Because we determine what kind of society we want, and the day we get rid of libraries is the day we cease to be the Greatest Nation on Earth (not that we’re not trying real hard to find other ways to do that.)

By treat Sandy Springs w/ equality

January 9, 2008 2:54 PM | Link to this

The real issue is the lack of equality in treating Sandy Springs (and North Fulton)the same as Atlanta or the rest of the County. Look at the per capita availability of library services—Sandy Springs and North Fulton have beeen shortchanged for years by a selfish, unresponsive and bloated combined Library system that provides disproportionately inadequate resources to Sandy Springs, but can sure afford to pay out multimillions in dollars for discrimination suits! C’mon people, get angry—demand to simply be treated as well as the County-wide norm, not that we want any better. Part of that means we have to be vocal in ensuring resources flow fairly and equitable—otherwise—it’ll all get sloughed of to Atlanta.

By Wilson

January 9, 2008 4:50 PM | Link to this

Here’s an idea:

Spend money on public safety instead of the library.

Why not have nonprofit libraries?

By DJ

January 10, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

I have to agree with “Wilson” Sandy Springs does more with less, when it comes to public Safety. Sandy Springs is the second largest metro city with( OVER) 100,000 residents, day time population is said to exceed 400,000 - 500,000 thousand people, 40 square miles and yet they have one of the smallest police departments to protect and serve (110) police officers. EXAMPLE: The very small city of Decatur less then 4 square miles and 18,000 residents with a day time population of 25,000 people and they have 55 police officers. We need to get our priorities straight do we want another library or do we want more police and fire to actively patrol and protect our great city!?

By AvidReader

January 13, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this

Tech2008, thank God there are university libraries. Journals that readers cannot afford are not available online without a substantial fee, but can often be browsed in libraries. They aren’t going away totally (anytime soon), but the local county library might.

Check out this shot of the Isaac Roberts house

By Jim

January 14, 2008 8:45 PM | Link to this

Why don’t we put a Starbucks at the SS library? It would get more users and could fund it’s own new building.

It’s at a great location for a drive thru…

By Alan

January 16, 2008 11:02 AM | Link to this

Funny, I was just thinking that we don’t need newspapers like we used to. People still get their news, but not from print like they once did. But look at us here reading online! Libraries are still relevant and usage is up nationally. Folks just use them differently. People still buy books and sales are up from $35B in ‘03 to $40B in ‘06. The last people I thought would not be for freedom of speech and encouraging library use would be the newspaper people. Libraries are an important part of a community’s cultural identity, are a contributor to economic development, and are a vital part of emerging literacy for young people. You don’t use your school anymore, but hoepfully you think that it is important too, right? A new library is a drop in the bucket for communities which place priority on education.

By Jesse

January 16, 2008 12:55 PM | Link to this

I worked at a library in DeKalb County that was getting re-built. Most, if not all, of our patrons complained that we did not NEED a new building, that the current building was fine and that it was a misuse of funds.

Well, none of them had to work in it. They didn’t realize that we were fixing the plumbing on a weekly basis, or that the small size of the staff workroom didn’t allow us to expand the size of the staff to better serve them, that we didn’t have a staff restroom, that there were three terrible leaks in the roof over the meeting room that forced us to close it down, even cancel storytimes, during bad weather.

There may be changes that are necessary that folks just can’t see…