jasonc70By Jason C.
I have been curious what Edhat readers think about the possibility of creating a membership-based non-profit library in Santa Barbara?
While private libraries on the East Coast are exclusive—you have to be recommended, and the bar is very high, with initiation fees in the thousands of dollars, membership-based libraries could cost around $100 a year to join. A membership-based library is as much about being a place that celebrates books and where people talk about books more than it is a place where people check books out.
The non-profit library won’t try to compete with the public library. But a cultural center for the Tri-Cities. And what it could specialize in is community, with chess marathons, events, book signings, symposiums, instrumental and choral music, as well as just a nice cool quiet place to read and eat a sandwich.
The vision is inspired by membership-based libraries such as San Franciso’s Mechanics’ Institute Library, or the Boston Athenaeum with it’s ornate wood desks and green lamps. Living in Santa Barbara for 20+ years, while it’s been a wonderful close-nit community, I feel that it’s sorely missing a cultural center such as a private library.
Although most membership libraries were created before the 20th century, one more has just sprouted in Washington: The Seattle Athenaeum opened its doors this month.
As a non-profit, the endeavor would require much work: a non-profit corp, bylaws, board, EIN, bank account, Fed/State tax exemption, legal obligations (annual reports/tax returns/records & books/fund raising/soliciting donations/fiduciary duties.) And while I have spoken to a few friends who feel it’s a good idea and would pay for a membership, some expressed concern that the idea would die because it’s “a glorified club.” I disagree, but thought I’d get some feedback from readers here, would this idea be an insurmountable task, or would donors support the cause? I can think of worse businesses to occupy the old Nordstrom’s or Macy’s buildings on State St.
I see nothing wrong with rolling the idea out and seeing if it could grab a hold of people. I think people would really appreciate a positive place where community events could happen in learning could happen without so much of the finger pointing, polarization, and rancor that characterizes anything online.
We would be better served to lobby the city council to force the present library to adhere to community interests. I do not need a tax funded library that gives out bicycle passes or tool kits. The present administration of the SB Library is out of step with the basic idea of a library and should be replaced or re-educated to our community’s good.
Interesting idea for Santa Barbara, although I think that SB is too small to support it. To have it be worthwhile, it would depend on the books available. SBPL got rid of a lot of its books, apparently those that were not read frequently, and has its focus on “things”, with books present, but not of primary interest to the management. (If I wanted to rent a fishing rod, I’d support the private vendors and renters.) As for reading and reference, the present administration has a clear preference for e-books. They’re excellent but, not being owned by the library, they’re here today and maybe tomorrow, but next month? Questionable! Not liking what’s happened to the what was once “my” local SB library, I’ve gotten a Goleta Library card, still part of the Black and Gold system. I now am a Friend of that library and despite the drive, enjoy visiting there. ….But to call a private library “elitist”, is superficial and wrong; if that’s what a private library turned out to be, then it would fail. Are movie theaters (or “theatres”, as here) “elitist” because they charge admission? Is the Riviera elitist because it shows less common films and is privately-owned and not part of a chain? Is the Y and other clubs “elitist” because they charge monthly fees? Only if being able to pay those fees brings one into an “elite”. I’ll be interested to see how the idea develops, if it does.
Libraries have evolved into more community based places than in previous years with activities geared toward reaching a diverse population, and providing services to wider interests and community needs while maintaining their library of books. I appreciate a Library of Things where I can check out (a fishing pole perhaps to see if fishing interests me) and Makers Spaces where I can learn how to use a 3 D printer or laser cutter. Those that can not or do not want to buy these things have a place to learn. Perhaps a private library could coexist with public libraries but, while I could afford to join a private library, I would prefer to support a public library that almost ANYONE, regardless of income, can join and find the resources that better serve them/us.
This “evolved” excuse is a bit stale. People I know love the library as a book and reference source. Some things should do what they were designed to do and stay with it, even if it becomes pedestrian. If the public wants a bicycle pass program let the rec people offer it, or maybe the park people and stay in your own lane (pun?).
Jason C, perhaps you would consider volunteering at the public library and helping to initiate changes. The public library system is inclusive and is trying to provide cultural richness to the public. It’s not broken, but could always use more passionate people who will work to make it better.
I agree.
https://friends-sblibrary.org/
As a community member, this is not a cause or non-profit I would put time or $ into, as I support several groups already and I concentrate more on survival elements (food, utility bills, medical care [Foodbank, Communify/Unity Shoppe, Neighborhood Clinics Assoc.)
oh, also, Tiny Libraries!
https://www.independent.com/2022/07/13/santa-barbaras-little-free-libraries/
Elitist, stupid, waste of time, money, segregationist, fragments resources including building space. More concrete bad of climate change. Support with $$$$ /volunteer our public libraries. Support with$$$$/volunteer our public recreation centers.
I agree the idea is elitist for sure. I agree we should support public libraries, especially those like the Goleta Library that continue the tradition and community service role of their predecessors. The idea that people don’t want books or other media and that we need to entice them into the library space just so we can say they “used” the library is odd.
The SBPL in its current state is just sad.
The downtown public library pulled out of the Black Gold Network, cutting off access to audio books available by digital download. Instead they now loan out bicycles and fishing poles? Short sighted and stupid.
I agree with 6:22. SB needs a head librarian who likes books. The current head librarian prefers empty ‘gathering’ space and to keep her office locked off from the public. She writes a great report but she is not a people-or book- person. Way beyond time for a change.
Whenever I walk into the increasingly vacant library main areas I see two or three library staff waiting and chatting with each other. They then look at me and ask if they can help. I am always tempted to say something rude (like, yes, go to work and shelve books or answer phones or do the reference desk, etc.) but mostly I just say “no” land walk on. Then I hear the management complain about lack of resources. Hard to take.
We’re all paying for the current library and it’s failing miserably. Beautiful facility, terrible leadership apparently. Let’s just fix what we already pay for.
I can’t even bear to go to the once-glorious public library downtown anymore.. It feels soulless and bare, with employees who can’t be bothered. The few times I’ve had to use their services in the past year or so have been bureaucratic nightmares, as I’ve received overdue notices for books that were returned, double-billing for items requested from other institutions (and no choice but to pay twice since I needed it for research) and their disinterest in resuming once popular presentations because “they don’t have the capacity any longer”. Now we have to privatize the library for proper services? So very sad, and a slap at the generations who prided themselves on the creation of this public facility. so long ago. It’s now dismantled and a shell of its former self, feeling like a failed department store just on the verge of closing, but pretending that everything is fine.