By CJ CASLEY
cj@du2.byu.edu
While American Fork residents voted to spend $4.7 million to tear down the existing library, there are some residents who believe the historic building could be renovated and remodeled.
In last November's bond election 3,589 citizens voted for the building of the library, while only 400 voted against it, said Christie Reimschussel, American Fork Library Director.
Some citizens said it is money well spent.
'The old library had nothing in it but books and it had limited access to computer technology,' said Tony Meryhew, an American Fork resident.
Meryhew said we have to allow our children an opportunity to be successful and the new library would help.
The money being spent will be put back into the community, since the construction is being done by a local company, Meryhew said.
'It will be exciting to have the library, because we have worked in such cramped spaces with hardly any technology,' said Vicky Turner, Children Librarian of American Fork.
Reimschussel also said the old library only had two work stations with no public use of the Internet.
The new library will have a seperate room containing 16 computer stations with Internet access, handicap facilities, an expanded book selection, an auditorium and two and half times more space, Reimschussel said.
The old library, which was built in 1966, did not have handicap facilities.
'The main reason for the change (to a new library) was because of a complaint by someone who was handicap, that there weren't any facilities,' Reimschussel said.
Another problem with the old library was the city was out growing it, Reimschussel said.
'There is not enough staff space or public space, and there is no room for computer stations with Internet accessability,' she said.
Regardless of those who support the building of the library, a minority stands opposed to the idea of the new facility.
'There's been some opposition saying it is too nice - they call it the Salt Palace,' Reimschussel said.
Those who are not in favor of the library suggest the current library should be remodeled and expanded, said Haws Durfey, former mayor of American Fork.
'I can't say we haven't outgrown it (the library), but we can build it in another manner,' Durfey said. 'They should beautify the land and just add on.'
The city built the library and it was possible to add on,Durfey said. It costs extra money to tear it down and rebuild.
'The city is just bonding themselves to death. By demolishing the library, we (also) disrespect the previous generation who put it there,' Durfey said.
There were individuals and families who donated money to the library, Durfey said.
'Kids saved money to buy the very bricks that were used to build the library. We should have a little respect for those who bled and sweat to build that building,' Durfey said.
Durfey also said the community is demolishing assets of the community that should never be demolished.
'Tearing it down is kind of a heartache for me and many others,' Durfey said.
Since the city has announced the plans to tear down the old library, I have had several phone calls from others who are disappointed in the city's decision, Durfey said.
Despite the controversy the demolishing of the old library will start June 2.
There will be a ground breaking ceremony on June 1 at 7 p.m. at the old library located on Main St. 100 E.
The children of the community are invited to bring their toy trucks and shovels so they'll be the ones to break the ground, Reimschussel said.
The American Fork library will be temporarily located in an a warehouse for approximately 550 days or until the finishing of the new library, Reimschussel said.