There is much to consider with regard to the downtown Duluth Public Library (Our View: “Be informed before deciding library fate,” March 12). The current location was an improvement. It features a flatter surface as well as accessibility for walkers and parking. The site has worked well. A bonus was being near the Depot and having Playfront close and Michigan Street, where, currently, the new bus shelter and multimodal transportation center is being built. All are a perfect fit with the library, strengthening the argument it remain where it is with some repairs and upgrades.
In his State of the City Address, Mayor Don Ness suggested First Avenue East and Superior Street as a possible new location for the downtown library. This is a poorly thought-out location due to the foot traffic that surrounds that area from the First Street area. On one corner on First Street there is a liquor store. Across the avenue is a housing complex. Both cater to people with addictions, bad habits or mental illness. Their behaviors could filter down to the Superior Street area.
Then there is also a casino across the street from where the mayor suggests for the library. The location also is near where a head shop was. It’s gone now, but some clients may still live in the area. I visit weekly one of the business there that remained during those difficult years. It lost business but paid taxes throughout. Now its owners have to consider relocating or even just quitting. That’s kind of a slap in the face.
I know there is a third location being checked on that’s not being shared with the public.
I just would like to remind the powers that be why the library’s current site was chosen and why it worked and still works as a reason for keeping it where it is.
Janice Montgomery
Duluth
