A library offers many services to the public, but the diverse population that utilizes these services makes for some problems.
On March 20, I went to the Everett Public Library’s downtown branch to have my taxes completed. My appointment was at 10 a.m., when the building opens. I parked on the first floor level in the garage and walked to the elevator. A pair of underwear and pile of waste was on the floor in the elevator lobby. I rode the elevator with a wet floor sign, and the floor was sticky, dirty, stained and smelled. I followed a trail of cigarette butts to the side entrance, which enters into the charming cafe. Hundreds of butts littered the entry, not so appealing. A filthy discarded shirt on the plaza was another eyesore.
I reported the mess in the elevator lobby at 10 a.m. When I left at 12:30 p.m., the mess was still there.
Unfortunately, this is not my first encounter. The Newcomers Book Club holds its monthly meeting in the library, also at 10 a.m. It’s not unusual to encounter unsanitary conditions in the elevator lobby. On occasion I have seen people scramble from sleeping bags or wake up from the floor when we arrive.
The Children’s Story Hour is also at 10 a.m. I cannot believe this is a positive experience for them.
Millions of dollars are being budgeted for a renovation of the Carnegie Building, as well as an addition to the library’s Evergreen Branch. I suggest that a janitor be placed on the budget to maintain the main library. Or do we just close our eyes to this sorry situation?
How about a thorough spring cleaning (and a little pain, perhaps), followed by regular maintenance?
Barbara Rappel
Everett
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