The South Bend Library has endured a hard year after being closed in August and then Timberland Regional Library proposed the consolidation between South Bend and Raymond Library in their "Capital Facilities Plan." A number of libraries were proposed for closure and consolidation as part of the plan, but residents and their respective cities would have none of it.
As first reported in September, Timberland officials came to a City of South Bend City Council Meeting to update the city and residents regarding the state of the library. They made it clear to everyone in attendance they had no plan to close the library and we're exploring options. Four days later, Timberland released the proposed plan and it contradicted much of the statements officials had previously said.
Battle ensues
Residents from several areas of western Washington including South Bend attended a Timberland Board of Trustees Meeting in Ilwaco. Hundreds showed up for the meeting and dozens of residents one by one walked to microphone and gave heartfelt speeches about how vital the libraries are to communities and the importance of keeping the libraries right where they are located.
In the coming days after the meeting several of the trustee board members spoke publicly stating the proposed plan was just that "proposed" and in no way was a final draft. They also made it clear they would recommend Timberland go back to the drawing board. The library system has seen a steady decrease in revenue over the past several years and proposed the options to cut cost and make a profit. However, the trustee board has told Timberland to find other ways then closing libraries.
Abatement
In late October, Washington State L&I released their report publicly to Timberland, the City of South Bend, and residents after completing inspections of the library at the request of Timberland. The extent of issues with the library for the first time we're known in their entirety. Most of what was found was expected according to South Bend city officials. Fortunately, the only significant problem was asbestos in the basement which is not an active partive part of the library. The city and Friends of Library worked diligently together along with Timberland to work on options of what could be done.
An anonymous donor, who wishes to remain anonymous, stepped forward and donated a significant amount of funds to Friends of the South Bend Library. The funds will be used to finance an abatement of the asbestos of which a contractor has since been hired for and have scheduled to begin the project on December 17. Once abated, Timberland can file to reopen the library of which sources have confirmed their prepared to do.
A hard fought battle ends with peace
The City of South Bend, Friends of the South Bend Library and residents refused to give up hope on keeping the South Bend Library and may have just saved it's future. The board of trustees listened to residents and city concerns regarding the proposal and in the end supported the many over the few. There has been no word on when the library could reopen, but is expected too at some point. The word had become a warm thought to many South Bend residents who were heartbroken to see their beloved library disappearing like a piece of history.