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Library—s recreation-center memorandum of understanding limits library use; board questions value of shared space
Summary
The library—s memorandum of understanding with Parks, Recreation and Forestry gives parks first priority for the library recreation center, leaving the library second and limiting daytime use; trustees said the board contributed to the room—s construction and questioned whether the library receives commensurate benefit.
Trustees discussed the library recreation center (LRC) memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Parks, Recreation and Forestry and said the agreement gives parks first priority and the library second priority for use of the space, limiting the library—s ability to schedule programs there.
Steve summarized the MOU language: Parks, Recreation and Forestry have first priority to schedule and use the library recreation center; the library has second priority; if neither department uses the space it can be offered for rent to the public or other city departments. Trustees said Parks schedules many evening and seasonal programs and that the LRC—s regular bookings reduce times the library could use the room for evening events. The MOU also assigns housekeeping and ice/snow removal responsibilities; Parks handles perimeter snow removal during their business hours, and the library is responsible for approaches if storms continue after Parks— hours.
Several trustees reiterated a long-standing concern: the board contributed funds to build out the room and they do not see commensurate library benefit. Steve suggested the board could analyze door-counts during recreation programs to see whether recreation use drives library visits, but he acknowledged the arrangement can reduce parking available for library patrons during peak recreation events.
Trustees said they would not seek to rent the space themselves and that any change to the MOU would require future discussion, likely after the budget cycle. One option mentioned informally was buying out Parks— priority in the future if the library determined ownership of the space better served library needs; trustees did not vote on that idea and said it would depend on available fund balances and council approval.
The board also agreed to change key control for Parks instructors: Parks staff will maintain their own key access to the lower-level recreation room so library staff will not be responsible for issuing and tracking those keys.
No formal amendment to the MOU or rental policy was adopted at the meeting; trustees said they would revisit the issue after budget work and would consider compiling evidence (door counts, usage statistics) before proposing changes to the MOU to council.
