On March 10, Heartland Developments informed Rutland Free Library (RFL) that it was no longer welcome as part of Heartland’s planned development on the former CSJ campus, citing concerns that it would be used as a lever to slow down the Act 250 process.
“The Library remains keenly interested in the property, should the Heartland deal fail to materialize,” RFL Director Randall Smathers said in a press release. “Thanks to the very many of you who came out to hear exactly why at one of our tours, board meetings, or public input sessions over the past three months.”
According to Smathers, during the extensive public comment period, most of the people who contacted the library were excited about the move. A large majority of members who expressed an opinion are concerned about the shortcomings of 10 Court St. as a 21st Century library. As the region attempts to attract young families, it’s worth noting that almost everyone under 35 and those with children are in favor of the new location. The process also brought out people who don’t or can’t use the current building, in far larger numbers than was expected. It’s clear the status quo is not working.
RFL has also heard from the people who value its contribution as an economic driver for the community and for downtown Rutland in particular.
“It’s gratifying to see the value these folks place on us and we hope they put that passion toward supporting the Library’s work of enhancing knowledge and literacy as we move ahead. And there was the small but vocal minority who value the library building ahead of our ability to provide services.
“To be absolutely clear: The campus would be the best place in greater Rutland to reach the most people with the most library services,” Smathers said. “Being dropped is a blow to many, many burgeoning partnerships with other local providers, nonprofits, daycares, and schools, who saw real opportunity in what we hoped to offer as a community hub, building on what the city Recreation and Parks Department has begun.
“However, we are continuing discussions on how to serve the public – for now, to the best of our ability at 10 Court St. – and our long-term options as far as location, renovation needs, & etc. We invite the public to be part of that process moving forward.”
