Friday, September 12, 2003
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Friday, September 12, 2003 |
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Campaign for library expansion to get boost from local youth By MICHAEL
BOYLAN The campaign to get the bond referendum for the Peachtree City library expansion and renovation passed got some new allies Wednesday night, though the majority of them can't vote yet. A number of students from McIntosh High School, as well as Peachtree City Youth Council leader Shelby Barker, addressed the Library Commission at their monthly meeting Wednesday and spoke in favor of the library project. The focus of their comments was the suggested young adult section and study rooms, as well as the possibility of using the Floy Farr meeting room, which is located in the downstairs area of the library, for meetings and events. Many of the students commented that their school couldn't meet all of the needs of all of the extracurricular groups and they hoped the meeting room at the library would be able to be used by organizations such as debate team, 4-H and others. Barker then spoke and pledged the help of the Peachtree City Youth Council during the campaign. Commission Chairman Chris Clark was very encouraged by the students willingness to get involved. "You will learn a lot about politics in this process," Clark said. "Both good and bad." The bad referred to some opposition being vocalized to the commission to the proposed teen room. Vice chairman Marie Washburn told the students at the meeting that they would be key in changing the perception the opposition has. "Your demeanor and presentation will be a good selling point," Washburn said, pleased with the way the students addressed the commission and presented themselves. Though most of the students are not of voting age, they will be helping the campaign by helping spread the word to the public. That may mean handing out flyers at upcoming events such as the Hispanic Heritage Festival or it may mean participating in an envelope stuffing party. The students seemed eager to get started and their optimism was contagious for the commission. In the coming weeks, members of the commission will provide information about the expansion to civic groups such as the Rotary Club and the PTOs of local schools. They can't urge the groups to vote either way on the issue but they can provide them with all of the information they need. A pamphlet is expected to be ready within the next two weeks and member Madge Quick has presented a flyer featuring the Friends of the Library mascot, the Bookworm Buddy, urging people to vote yes on the referendum. Member Barbara Swafford urged her colleagues and the citizens attending the meeting to make the campaign personal, suggesting personal notes or e-mails to friends, asking them for their support at the polls but also during the campaign. The Library Commission will meet again next Wednesday for a workshop at 6:30 p.m. at the Peachtree City library.
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