Adam Cunningham
04/08/06
Social Studies Ms. Locke
Team 8B
Current Events


Article Title: Library for Hire
Publication: Union Leader
Date: 04/08/06
Location: Atkinson,NH
Event Category: local

Issue: A vote to rebuild the current Kimball Public Library in Atkinson, NH is
not passed by voters.

Summary: This article is about a 2.1 million dollar plan to rebuild the
condemned Kimball Public Library in Atkinson, NH being rejected by voters
in a 564 to 187. Some argue that the lack of funds are a problem, but the
dangers and safety hazards need to be repaired. Many aspects are
considered in the situation, such as precedent with libraries in neighboring
towns and the popularity of the library itself, along with the economic state
of the town. Ultimately this reoccurring maxim remains, it all refers to
preference.

Supporting Viewpoint: The supporting viewpoint of this article is that the
Kimball Public Library should remain un-renovated and shall not be subject
to a significant restoration. The building is only 31 years old and often is left
empty due to the lack of interest by citizens. To house the amount of books
and other items already inside the library, the current two story building is sufficient. Land surveyors and contractors have estimated the project after
excavation and construction to be in a range of 1.8 to 2.1 million dollars
,but in 2005, the “Atkinson Library Fund” only contains 382,000, which
would make the other 1.5 million dollars be accounted for from loans and
miscellaneous funds. There is little leeway in the budget, and depriving
other aspects of the budget to feed the unnecessary faction would weaken
needed areas such as health care and public safety. Local resident Mark
Griffin says, “ The Kimball Library is a staple of Atkinson, and to demolish it
is not only unethical, but destruction of a landmark.” Minor restorations
have been competed in the past, most recently in 2001, making the aspect
of being technologically behind unproblematic.

Opposing Viewpoint: The opposing viewpoint of this article is that the
Kimball Public Library should be rebuilt. The existing building is aging and
does not apply to any laws and building codes due to its age. For example,
as of 1991, all building were required to accommodate for those with
physical and mental disabilities, but due to the Kimball Public Library being
built in 1975 does not abide to this. For example, at 29 inches high, the
desks and tables exceed the maximum height for wheelchairs, and unkept
outer ramps an stairs pose a safety risk. In 2004, a library trustee was

tragically killed from an accident sustained by falling down the stairs from
the second to first floor. “ [Kimball] holds the key to learning, a place where
local elementary students come to read and acquire a very diverse knowledge” says former Atkinson Selectman Michael Acosco. Although this
plan was rejected by popular vote, thousands of dollars are being put into
the “Atkinson Library Fund”, and is to be voted upon again in the next
election. Private donations and separate funds have been developed to
raise the necessary funds. Also, many of the library cardholders at KPL are
senior citizens and young children who find the slanted flooring, broken and
unkept stairs and ramps, and high desks and tables to be strenuous.