June 19^th, 4-5:30pm

Stakeholder Attendees:

Jean Brocklebank & Michael Lewis (Don’t Bury the Library), Deb Tracy-Proulx & Shannon Tracy (SC City Schools), Martin Gomez & Rena Dubin (Downtown Library Advisory Committee), Susan Nemitz & James Lee (Library Staff), Brandon Napoli (Small Business Development Center), Dancy Girot (SC Genealogical Society), Cindy Jackson & Vivian Rogers (Friends of SC Libraries)

Meeting Overview – Audio recording of the meeting is here (minute markers are noted in italics)

The subcommittee first heard a presentation from the Downtown Library Advisory Committee (DLAC). Martin Gomez and Rena Dubin presented on the community needs assessment, the DLAC processes, and the committee's final recommendation. The Council Subcommittee then posed questions directly to the DLAC presenters. Click Here to view the DLAC Presentation. 

The Subcommittee next engaged with Stakeholder groups. The first question was "what is your vision for the Library?" Notes from each group's responses are below:

• Don't Bury the Library (40:09)- Need to retain the historical context of the building and it's location. Need to address environmental policies on record with City and County and those policies should dictate the most environmentally sound option for the library: restoring and re-configuring, renovating, and revitalizing
• SC City Schools (42:35) - City Schools are creating the library users of tomorrow. SC librarians coming to the schools because of the lack of space at the libraries. Need to create space for activities for kids to do their work, create content. Need a place for kids to go where they can access technology and resources they don't have at home.
• SC Public Library Staff (45:00) - For a 21st century library the building needs to be visual enticing, stimulating, inviting, and reason for people to come. Need to create a space for teens. Need to address asbestos, it currently restricts the library's availability to make changes. 
• Small Business Development Center (47:20) - Industry also needs a place to go. A place for business owners to get work done and to have meetings. Important to have the latest technology. Would like a place of civic engagement - another place to discuss issues.
• The Genealogical Society (48:55) - Space for families, seniors, and teens. Want a space where people will feel safe, secure, and comfortable. Want a research space for families and kids to research local history and their family trees. Need digitizing equipment and more electrical outlets.  
• Friend of the SC Libraries (51:14) - Library needs to be a lending library and a place for lifelong learning. Need technology for those people who may not have it at home. Need a place where musicians can give free concerts. A space for people accessing housing programs and meeting with social workers. Space for kids and their resources. Want a warm and welcoming public space downtown that can facilitate social interactions. 

As part of the evening, the Subcommittee conducted a poll of the stakeholders – asking them whether they agreed or disagreed with following statements. The responses to each statement are noted below (53:27):