Lakewood Library update!

[Bret Callentine]

with friends like you, it is no wonder the staff of LPL fears speaking out.

So, I'm supposed to keep my mouth shut, just because someone else doesn't feel strongly enough about their opinion to be able to give it voice?

[Bill Call]

Our Library is THE BEST IN THE COUNTRY!!!!!! And until now, I don't recall hearing anything negative about Ken's leadership. So call him whatever you want, but there's no one else I'd rather have in that position.

This is not about the Lakewood Library.

It is a not so subtle campaign to keep Ken quiet on City issues.

The success of Lakewood Library is also an affront to those who support regionalization. Ken has become a political target. His success and outspokeness are making some people uneasy.

Keep in mind that if Lakewood Library was merged into the county system we would all be paying more for library services.

[David Anderson]

Keep in mind that if Lakewood Library was merged into the county system we would all be paying more for library services.

Bill, haven't we in Lakewood paying for both for many years? Cities that choose not to have a county branch are not exempt from contributing taxes to support the county library system, are they?

I'm not complaining that we have a library separate from the county's but to suggest that paying for our local library service in addition to supporting the county system is cheaper than just supporting a county branch seems hard to believe.

If we're paying $5 for our library, contribute $3 to the county for its system but understand that a local branch would cost $6, isn't this cheaper than $8?

But I don't know the real numbers on this so please correct me if I am wrong.

Thanks.

[Ivor Karabatkovic]

is having the top ranked library in the COUNTRY not enough?

just curious.

[Ian Phillips]

Are you all this deluded?
You are trying to make this about Regionalizing LPL, about targeting Mr. Warren as a rebel against Lakewood politics, yada, yada, yada. My response had nothing to do with those conspiracy theories. I brought up what I perceive as injustices to the Lakewood staff and poor planning on the part of Mr. Warren. You do not have to agree with me, but let's not move away from the topic at hand and make Mr. Warren some kind of martyr. Is it really that hard to stay on topic?

Sincerely,
Mr. Troll

[Robert Bobik]

I am wondering about the Clevnet question also. Using Clevnet does not entail merging into the county library system. The county does use Clevnet, as well as many suburban and rural libraries while maintaining their independence. Robert

[Dan Slife]

Mr Phillips,

Please clarify your position with the Cuyahoga County system. What is your relationship to the service employee's union?

[Dan Slife]

Mr. Anderson,

Lakewood residents do not pay for both services. Only municipalities hosting county library branches pay into the county library system.

[Jeff Endress]

David:

Cities that choose not to have a county branch are not exempt from contributing taxes to support the county library system, are they?

Yes they are. Taxpayers of Lakewood do not have any portion of the County Library millage on their tax duplicate.

You don't pay any property tax to support the County system. There is no double up. It is only assessed on communities which are a part of the County system....not River, Lakewood, Cleveland or any of the independents.

Jeff

[Bill Call]

Bill, haven't we in Lakewood paying for both for many years? Cities that choose not to have a county branch are not exempt from contributing taxes to support the county library system, are they?

Lakewood residents do not pay the county library tax levy.

About 3% of your property taxes go to the Lakewood Library. On a $150,000 house that amounts to about $117 per year. Since I use the library a lot it seems like a deal to me. Those that don't use the library might feel differently.

I think that the library is an important institution in Lakewood that adds a great deal to value of a house in Lakewood. That's strictly opinion.

Westlake Library is supported with 4% rate.
Euclid Library is supported with a 5% rate.

Those communities in the Cuyahoga County system pay about 3%.

The County system pays its employees substantially more but offers fewer hours of operation. How is YOUR tax dollar spent? see:

http://auditor.cuyahogacounty.us/budgetcomm/where.htm

The critisism of the construction schedule seems like a lot of nit picking to me.

[Bret Callentine]

Is it really that hard to stay on topic?

okay, lets stay on topic then.

Mr. Phillips,

Are you really asking us to believe that Mr. Warren is a bad boss/leader/person simply because a few employees disagree with his management choices (assuming they were his choices)?

What exactly are your criteria for good library leadership, and could you offer up instances where Mr. Warren is falling short? Because if you're only gauge is popularity amongst staff, I'd like to ask you what is your definition of "delusional"?

[Shawn Juris]

Can this be clarified or boiled down please? The article, the root of this thread was that an article was written about a disruption of pay for employees during the transition. Sure, we can explain it away with cries of a battle against regionalism or excuse it because of prior accolades but doesn't it come down to planning and communication? Maybe this is nothing more than a grudge held by a small number of employees, I'm not dismissing that. But whether you call Lakewood an empathetic or bleeding heart community, the subject of employees losing their wages for a period of time due to a planned reconstruction is sure to create some controversy (thow in a gala and you've got some real kindling). I again will admit that the options offered in the way of alternate work sound reasonable and don't envy Ken or the Board's position in this matter.
Interesting though to see how the support has been shown on this one. I'm curious if the sides would be the same the same if this situation occured for employees of the Hospital or NY Life during a relocation. Would the same pass be given if we were talking about a corporate entity or one that so many here were not personally attached to? But that's just my 2 cents of distraction which can be taken or left.

[Jim O'Bryan]

Ian

Let me say again, thanks for taking the time to sign in and voice your concerns.

I answered the planning issue as good as I could as an outsider.

So no it is not that hard to stay on topic.

But you must understand that it is hard for some of us to take you statement all by itself when many of us are involved in pulling back the camouflage of regionalism. Voices and Choices, the constant drum beat to regionalize the library, etc.

Ken Warren the man is one of the most open honest people I have ever met. Ken is a friend, not to just me but the city. Leading where very few others care to tread.

Are you claiming no bias on your part because of your job(s) and position?

I know a man that sold hammers, even screws looked like nail to him.


.

Are you all this deluded?
You are trying to make this about Regionalizing LPL, about targeting Mr. Warren as a rebel against Lakewood politics, yada, yada, yada. My response had nothing to do with those conspiracy theories. I brought up what I perceive as injustices to the Lakewood staff and poor planning on the part of Mr. Warren. You do not have to agree with me, but let's not move away from the topic at hand and make Mr. Warren some kind of martyr. Is it really that hard to stay on topic?

Sincerely,
Mr. Troll

[Jim O'Bryan]

Shawn

Everything is out there. It is a decision that now must be made by ourselves.

I can see where people come down on both sides.

Was Ken correct in saving $100,000 by asking employees to do what they do everyday, move books. Or asking them well in advance if they would mind using paid leave or vacation for those two weeks.

The Gala is moot as DL pointed out. I also have been involved in many fund-raising events. We have never given tickets away. Who would even ask for free tickets to a fundraiser, that alone is an insult to everyone.

As for Ken versus Met Life. Ken has giving 110% to the city for over 30 years. He has built, with help and support a thing that brings in Met Life. Over a year ago, we asked the question which do you see as the true center of the City. The overwhelming response was the Library.

A place that is open to all for entertainment and knowledge. A place for groups to meet regardless of religion, politics, age, or financial well being. A place where you as for a book from the left and one from the right is also offered for a balance look. The center of a healthy city and civilization.

The library and that perception is the work of one man, working with his staff. Ken Warren.

We are lucky, we have the man all others want.

.

[Joe Ott]

Is Ian Phillips real or just a troll?

Real. Troll is up to the readers to decide.

Joe we go through a pretty good vetting process. We have done everything possible to stop faux people hiding in the shadows.
.

Sometimes people come onto forums like this and make statements just to get everyone all excited. I see that is not the case. Sorry.