Cherrydale Branch Library

Serving North Arlington since 1922

Candidates Clancy and Tejada Discuss Cherrydale Library

In early February 2003, the Citizens for Cherrydale Library (CCL), through neighborhood volunteers Greg and Suzanne Embree, asked the candidates for County Board (Mike Clancy and Walter Tejada) three questions affecting the future of Cherrydale Library. The CCL asked each candidate the same three questions and asked that they respond by February 22. The CCL promised to post each candidate's answers on the Cherrydale Library web site and on the Cherrydale Neighborhood and Maywood Neighborhood list serves. We also promised to publish their answers in the pre-election edition of Sweet & Sour News, the newsletter of the Cherrydale Neighborhood Association, and to offer their answers to the Arlington Sun-Gazette. The candidates' answers follow.

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Mr. Clancy's Responses:

1. Do you support maintaining the current funding level of the Arlington County Department of Libraries?

I support maintaining and increasing the funding level of the Arlington Libraries as appropriate to maintain and expand the library's services and resources. As Maywood residents, my family and I have been frequent users of the Cherrydale library for years. My wife, Lynn, and I have enjoyed and continue to enjoy spending time with our children at Cherrydale Library. My three-year-old son (the youngest of four) became the newest Clancy patron of Cherrydale when he attended story time over this past year. I believe that the value of some community amenities cannot be measured by dollars and cents alone, but rather should be measured by the enhancement that they provide to the quality of life. Libraries, especially small branches like Cherrydale, fall squarely into this category.

2. What are your views on concentrating the County's library system in a smaller number of locations as opposed to maintaining the network of neighborhood libraries?

I oppose any attempt by the Board to concentrate the library system into fewer locations. I know from personal experience that much of the appeal of a neighborhood branch is its closeness to home and the ease with which a smaller collection can be used by certain segments of the population, such as senior citizens, children and teenagers. There is also a certain appeal in having a neighborhood librarian who knows you and your children. Thus, although there may possibly be certain economies to centralizing operations and eliminating smaller locations (which may not necessarily be accurate), I believe far too much would be lost. In short, I am a strong supporter of maintaining a network of neighborhood libraries. Specifically, in my view, the Cherrydale Library is an important element of the neighborhood.

3. As a member of the County Board, will you seek to close Cherrydale Library?

As a member of the County Board, I would oppose any attempt to close the Cherrydale Library. In fact, my family previously signed a petition in support of keeping the Cherrydale branch open and opposing closure. That petition was submitted to the Board when it was considering the closure issue. I will always be a strong supporter of the Cherrydale Library.

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Mr. Tejada's Responses:

1. Do you support maintaining the current funding level of the Arlington County Department of Libraries?

I believe that libraries are an essential part of our community. For many Arlingtonians, especially children, they are a critical place to learn. Together with our schools, libraries are a basic educational resource for neighborhood residents. Therefore, we must ensure that we protect library services.

At the State level, irresponsible budgeting in previous years has now resulted in cuts to state support for our libraries. The County must make up this shortfall. I have pledged to budget in a fiscally responsible manner at the County level so that we do not repeat the State's mistakes and can maintain full support for essential services like libraries.

The County Manager's draft FY 2004, budget supports an increase in library funds. I have said that I would want to listen at community budget hearings before making any final decisions on the budget - and community support for libraries is high! While I am always on the lookout for ways to make our government more efficient, I am not willing to do so at the expense of essential County services like libraries. Therefore, I will likely adopt something similar to the Manager's recommendation.

2. What are your views on concentrating the County's library system in a smaller number of locations as opposed to maintaining the network of neighborhood libraries?

I support maintaining the network of neighborhood libraries. From the start of my campaign, I have stated that preserving the character of existing neighborhoods is a central goal of mine. Local libraries are unquestionably part of neighborhood character.

Neighborhood branches also make sense from a user's standpoint. Their manageable size is less intimidating and creates a more welcoming environment. A neighborhood librarian is more likely to get to know individual patrons and be able to help them find reading material or give them reference help. Neighborhood libraries are close to home and, because of their size, are usually easier for residents to use. They are especially valuable for children, teenagers and others who can't drive. Even for the rest of us, having many convenient neighborhood library locations encourages walking and helps keep us out of our cars.

With a strong inter-library loan program and with increased use of virtual library - (including e-books, and electronic information databases for homework, business and education) we can make our neighborhood libraries even stronger.

3. As a member of the County Board, will you seek to close Cherrydale Library?

Absolutely not. The library provides essential services and it is a part of Cherrydale's neighborhood character. It should remain open.



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This site is maintained by Citizens for Cherrydale Library, a group of citizen volunteers seeking since 1998 to promote and preserve our most important neighborhood institution. Contact us at suza1@comcast.net with any questions or comments.