I am writing in response to Ruth Morehart's Feb. 24 letter. I feel that it is important that people realize that, yes, it has been many years since Bemidji Public Library moved into what was at the time a state-of-the-art building. It will be 11 years ago this May. While many people would say that is not many years, and it is not many years in terms of one's life. However, we are worlds away from where this community was at that time. I remember coming to Bemidji around that time. This is not the same city I visited back then.
This city has seen great growth since 1995. It will continue to grow at a rapid pace. The growth is the reason why it's so important that things like the events center be developed. I feel that it is honestly better to have no library than one that is mismanaged because a library that is mismanaged becomes a leech on the public's tax dollars. Tax dollars could be used for things that are more productive: roads, sidewalks or even an events center.
A library is necessary, but it must be managed properly or it is useless. I am very happy that the city and county have committed to helping the library while also seeking a new regional library system to take over management of the library. I hope they will consider my past suggestion of Arrowhead Library System. I would love to see Arrowhead come to Bemidji and give the community the library it needs and deserves.
Chris Asendorf
Bemidji
