Kenneth Warren Grand Reading Room?

[Ivor Karabatkovic]

I have been thinking about the impact of not having someone like Ken Warren in our community come July, and it scares me. Lakewood is not the same place anymore because there is no consistency, and to lose one of the most consistent leaders we have left is like sweeping the rug from under a drunk.

Ken has done wonders for the youth of Lakewood by giving them the world. In fact, he has impacted many generation. His commitment to providing great services to today's readers, as well as impacting the lives of future generations by bringing some of the top architects and artists in the world to build a great library that will be there for generations to come, make him a part of Lakewood history.

He has always been a great friend to me, and a great role model as well. We shared many laughs throughout the years. While I know that I'll miss having him around, I hope that this isn't the last time we hear about Ken Warren. I hope the next chapter of his life will bring him great success and happiness.

[Gary Rice]

Matt and Jim,

Thanks for your kind words. The interview and photo would not have been possible without Ken's ongoing cooperation and inspiration.

On so many, many levels, this man has truly been a sublime blessing for our community. The expression "living legacy" was never more significant than when used with respect to Ken.

Ivor:

The tragic story of some great person leaving some project, or some battle, or some dream, in a sudden and hard-to-believe way, is as old as humanity itself.

In the absense of that visionary, the rest of the people inevitably stand around dumbfounded and struck by the sudden loss of leadership.

And then, as always, there is recovery and rebuilding, and eventually, new leadership.

At least in this case, our visionary is still aroung for us to congratulate, appreciate, and care for.

Whether Ken continues to live around here for awhile, or move to some other community, let's be sure that he now knows how very much we appreciate all that he has done for our city.

Indeed, I would think that there are few Lakewoodites that have ever had the impact on our community that Ken Warren has had.

It is however, for us remaining here, to pick up his tools and continue to build.

We might not build as much, or even as well, but build we must.

To do less would be not to honor Ken's legacy.

Seeds have been planted. Now they need watered, and time to grow.

The torch, or (admittedly mixing metaphors here) the watering can is passing into your hands, our hands, and the hands of the young people who daily enjoy the library.

Build, grow.

Build, grow.

Build, grow.

Back to the banjo.

[Brian Pedaci]

I support not only naming the reading room after him, but commissioning a Lakewood artist to paint a portrait to help fill up all the the empty wall space.

[marklingm]

From the front page at http://lakewoodobserver.com/read/5/12/ken-warrenlakewoods-legendary-librarian:

May you cross the waters of knowledge and your future safely and well, Mr. Warren. May the ancient naval blessing of "fair winds and following seas" accompany you on your journey. We, who remain in the gentle rolling of your wake, have much to appreciate and to remember, and even more to aspire to, in the pulse of this city.

Well said, Gary.

[marklingm]

I support not only naming the reading room after him, but commissioning a Lakewood artist to paint a portrait to help fill up all the the empty wall space.

Great idea, Brian.

Maybe Richard Haas murals showing the day in the life of Ken can be spread throughout the new "Kenneth Warren Grand Reading Room"?

[stephen davis]

Maybe Richard Haas murals showing the day in the life of Ken can be spread throughout the new "Kenneth Warren Grand Reading Room"?

Good idea, Matt.

Here's the mural, "The day [July 1, 2009] in the life of Ken" for the "Kenneth Warren Grand Reading Room":



.

[Jim O'Bryan]

Maybe Richard Haas murals showing the day in the life of Ken can be spread throughout the new "Kenneth Warren Grand Reading Room"?

Good idea, Matt.

Here's the mural, "The day [July 1, 2009] in the life of Ken" for the "Kenneth Warren Grand Reading Room":



.

Stephen/Matt

I have been away in a couple other cities, how much progress is there in this project? I
am back and will continue to push very hard for this to happen.

I was speaking with a reporter yesterday that was looking into some sort of issue with
the new library and a single board member. I would hate to think that something as small
minded as this would stop the board that Ken Warren appointed from given him his just
dues. Seems like it would be easier to just put the board member in her/his place and
tell them to buck up little soldier. Even some BS about who could stand where on public
tree lawns this past fourth of july parade!! Hell that is like spitting on the flag during
the parade. Can't wait to read the story, had my mouth falling open as I was asked the
questions.

Ken gave everything to the library and the city of Lakewood. This city and his hand
picked board should honor the man, many saw as the wizard of Lakewood. At a time
the Lakewood Library will need to raise funds to make up for the shortfall from the state
I have to think it would be unwise to dishonor the man that made it all possible for
so many years.

stay tuned...


.

[Bill Call]

If Ken Warren had spent the last twenty years diminishing the Lakewood Library and seeking to have it merged with the Cuyahoga County Library system the Plain Dealer would be singing his praises. On the day of his retirement his picture would have appeared in the Plain Dealer with a halo over his head and adoring masses at his feet.

He has committed an unforgiveable sin and for that he will not be forgiven.

[Jim O'Bryan]

If Ken Warren had spent the last twenty years diminishing the Lakewood Library and seeking to have it merged with the Cuyahoga County Library system the Plain Dealer would be singing his praises. On the day of his retirement his picture would have appeared in the Plain Dealer with a halo over his head and adoring masses at his feet.

He has committed an unforgiveable sin and for that he will not be forgiven.

Bill

What I found amazing at the Library riots down at the Cleveland Library


Ken Warren addressing the crowd telling them to save their libraries.

Kenneth Warren was not seen as the lone library director, everyone, including
the county people saw him as a true leader. Much of this came from his various
stances of not turning library files over to the government. Not falling into line
with the National Library Association. Worrying more about his community and
serving that community.

It was amazing in the courtyard, as library director after library director came up to
Ken wishing him luck, and asking if he thought, it would have ended differently.

While the Cleveland Plain Dealer and Sun Papers would have made him a hero
for selling out, the library directors would not have. He was loved and respected
by all of them. How sad, many in this city are bashing the very person, that made
the library what it is, even with the board he had.

A true star.

.

[Jon Eckerle]

Enough of JOB 's BS As soon as I type it up I will post Ken Warren's resignation letter. Jon E.

[Jim O'Bryan]

While waiting for John to "stop my BS" I have been speaking with members of the
city that seem to think "Lakewood's The Kenneth Warren Public Library" might be
the only fitting tribute to the man that made it Number One so many times, and
was himself Number 1 so many times.

So legally we will be looking at a petition to present to the board. As they seem unwilling
to even visit the subject.

.

[Jon Eckerle]

All,.

From the award winning designers of the Librainium..... looking for you comments...





Public Library - Librainium Boat.

Librainium Boat.

1 message

http://mail.google.com/a/lkwdpi.org/?ui ... 379&view=p

Ken Warren <kenwarren@1kwdp1.org>

Kim van der Veen <kirn@2burgeon.com> Fri, Apr 25, 2008 at 12:38 PM
To: Ken Warren <kenwarren@lkwdpi.org>, Kim Paras <kparas@IkwdpI.org>, Andrew Harant
<aharant@lkwdpl.org>
Cc: Doug van der Veen <doug@2burgeon.com>

Ken,

Often, in the creative process, we can jump to conclusions that should have been taken in smaller steps with more clearly defined reviews. For any leap we've made, I apologize on behalf of our team of artists.

1. The 'Paper Boat'

As we discussed at the beginning in programming and design, we would be unable to create a 'paper boat' with local content unless we could get free local papers and get a waiver for the copyright requirements and allow us to use their materials for our artwork. I was very pleased that we were able to secure the approval of the Lakewood Observer, given the large number of articles written about the library in the paper. We worked hard to include as many of those library stories throughout our installation. We also worked hard to eliminate advertisement and-,focus on wonderful library, community, and human interest stories that give Lakewood such a unique character and sense of place.

Otherwise, the concept for the paper boat would have probably been eliminated, as it would have been difficult to secure all copyright free materials from pre-1 923 that would be compelling and age appropriate. It would have also been time consuming and expensive.

2. Naming the Paper Boat.

My staff has creative license that resulted in many delightful elements for you, including an aerial tactile relief of the Rocky River as it empties into Lake Erie. We call these extras, which are outside of our contract, little I presents' or'surprises' for the community from our.firm. An example is special custom installation we designed and fabricated for Madison - including a series of birdhouses for them. '

However, my staff also took the leap and named the boat The Lakewood Observer (after failing in love with the community by reading the Lakewood Observer, cutting it up, and adding it to the boat over several weeks). I was a bit concerned about the naming of the boat, which l.had intended to be-The Librainiurn after we agreed to name the area. I -was giving a presentation at PLA at the time, and didn't review this key idea, which I usually do for major content. For this, I apologize. I know how critical it is to have major names pre-approved.

We're going to proceed with the name of the boat as The Librainium unless you have a concern with that name. I'll need. to know by 5:00 today in order for our Phoenix staff to cut the vinyl and fed ex it out in time for us to do the finish coats necessary to the boat.

If you have any questions, or need more information, -please call my cell.

Kim

Kim van der Veen
Principal
Burgeon Group

[Jim DeVito]

My kids love that boat. That was the destination at the end of the street walk the other day. I spent a good amount of time fending off octopuses and making sure my daughter did not drive the boat "too fast".

[Jim O'Bryan]

Jon

So let's recap.

Kenneth Warren who has been blamed in many many conversations for naming the
LPL Boat The Lakewood Observer, had nothing to do with the name.

That the builders of the boat named it based on the success of the LO to build and
define the brand Lakewood, to such an extent that they fell in love with Lakewood
after reading it the words of many Lakewood citizens, not the owner of the paper.

Potentially one board member that tried repeatedly to BUY STOCK in the Lakewood
Observer blamed Ken, and demanded that Lakewood Observer, and oddly "Chef Geoff"
be removed from the boat, though neither of them every befitted from their association
with the LO, nor did it ever cost the library anything including time and or money.

That the Burgoen Group had contacted other papers, and ran into cost over runs
and/or copyright issues that were avoided by using the LO, a paper that had always
given the Lakewood Public Library anything they ever asked for and more.

That potentially this was one rogue board member's personal vendetta strictly based on
her/him not being allowed to personally make money or have any control over the
Lakewood Observer. That his/her singular blind rage, was willing to go so far as to attack
the civic run group that had delivered over $300,000 in support to the library and try
to drive a wedge between the two. That her/his actions might have cost the LPL more
money in having the Burgoen Group remove Lakewood Observer and Cheff Geoff from
the boat, at a time money is very tight.

This would all seem to fall into a catagory that means possibly one board member is
publicly hurting not just the city, but the library. All because of their need to own,
profit and control a paper with no controls.

Why remove Chef Geoff pen name? A top Lakewood lawyer that wrote a food
column, and used that "fame" to raise money each year for the library by auctioning
off dinners cooked by Chef Geoff.

But is there proof that this also cost us our award winning library director, and in turn
his assistant, and thereby possibly devaluing one of the crown jewels of Lakewood?


.

[Jon Eckerle]

Here is the Ken Warren letter of resignation. I would think that as you read this you can sense the growing frustration with dealing with certain members of the board!

If there are any typos, I am sure it is my typing that is at fault and not the fault of the original writer.

Lakewood, Ohio 44107
April 28,.2008

Dear Mr. Endress:

I am very grateful for the honor and opportunity to serve as director of Lakewood Public Library and herewith submit my notice of final work day on June 1, 2008 and effective retirement date of July 1, 2008. With the conclusion of the building project designed by Robert A.M. Stem Architects, I believe my twenty four years of service to Lakewood Public Library have fulfilled a purpose that has wholly satisfied my professional goals as a public library director for this wonderful city.

They say you know when the time is right to retire. I believe that time is rapidly approaching. I am sorry the Lakewood Observer Boat, proposed by the Burgeon Group as an artful image and word-filled source of rich local story content written by residents, printed on paper-suitable to the production. process and for which copyright clearance could quickly be obtained to fit schedules, has become a source of consternation and doubt for the Board.

I appreciate your meeting with me on Friday. I want to assure you, again that. I did not explode over this issue while on the telephone to Mrs. Metelko. To explode has never been my style. After listening to Mrs. Metelko, answering her questions and considering her concerns about a private business and "the naming opportunity," for which other local businesses such First Federal of Lakewood could have been considered, I immediately directed the,Burgeon Group to open the creative process and make a creative adjustment that covers the words Lakewood Observer and Chef Geoff with additional material for which copyright was not an issue.

I attach a copy of an e-mail from Kim van der Veen that explains the result of creative license, a process I have been managing without specific approvals for all items-from the Board. The total project would never have been completed, much-less with all the extraordinary qualities evident, if the Board approved every decision concerning creative license.

I realize the LO has become a lightening rod for some people and increasingly so since the Burgeon Group suggested the idea last summer, an idea found on a sketch included in "Art at the Library," a document distributed to Foundation Trustees, Art Fundraising Committee.. members and benefactors attending a dinner prepared by Chef Geoff at the Foran's.

I understand that the Board of Trustees may decide to reject this object, even after the Burgeon Group worked to make the adjustment I requested and remedy the naming issue. That is, of course, the right of the Board.

As I consider the wear and tear on my relationship with trustees over the course of the building project and my innovative and risky efforts to join public librarianship, community journalism and citizenship in an integral practice of civic epistemology, which incubates grassroots flora, neighborhood fauna, local enterprise and social capital at a critical moment in the city's history, I feel immense gratitude for the total experience of Lakewood, for your support and trust and for the opportunity to retire shortly. I am sailing away on Das Narrenschiff of the Utopian dream represented by the LO boat, to Gloucester, where I will write the story of Charles Olson and Vincent Ferrini, thus keeping a promise I made to Mr. Ferrini in October, the last time I saw him before he died in December.

Thank you again for the generosity, kindness and support for these many years.

Sincerely

Kenneth Warren