Future Of Oakdale's Lois Johnson Memorial Library Discussed

Concerned Oakdale citizens flocked to last night's Village Board meeting in an attempt to save the Lois Johnson Memorial Library. 

However, as they discovered at the meeting, it wasn't in need in saving, just restructuring.
  
Library Board Chairman Bev Alderson addressed the Village Board with a letter, explaining the cultural and educational importance of the library. She said that although the need to provide study help has changed, the need is far greater than it used to be.

"There are children in this community who rely on the internet services at the library to complete their school work assignments," Alderson said. "There are homes here without internet usage available."

Alderson addressed each trustee individually, saying that she trusted their good judgement and believed they would do the right thing. 

Audience members applauded Alderson's speech. Trustee Wanda Cornett said she believed the library should remain open, but the hours of service could be looked at.

Chairman Dwayne Fulsaas then addressed the audience saying that it was never the intention of the board to close the library, but simply to restructure it. He said that the main problem has been disagreement among members of the library board.

"The board needs to get along," Fulsaas said. "I think we need to restructure it. I think we need some younger folks in there to be on committees."

There was also discussion about how the library should properly be used. 

"We need to remember to keep the idea of what a library is for," Cornett said. "It's not a coffee shop."

A special meeting of the Village Board and Library Board was scheduled to try and work through some of the issues. It will be held January 18 at 7 p.m. at the Village Office.