City is responsible for work at library building

The Frances L. Simek Memorial Library in Medford needs new carpet. The city of Medford should live up to its responsibilities and budget for the needed expense to maintain the safety of library patrons and the integrity of the library building.

The existing carpet has been damaged from moisture wicking up through the concrete pad. When the city’s contractors built the library no moisture barrier was installed leading to the present situation where there is now an urgent concern about moisture and the potential for mold getting into the building’s walls. Mold could have a devastating impact on the library’s collection of books and materials and pose a health risk to library patrons.

The city has long attempted to treat the library the same as it does the fire department. While both are examples of the positive results when the community comes together to make things happen, they have fundamental differences.

The Medford Area Fire Department building is leased through a formal agreement with the fire commission. Commission members are appointed by the participating municipalities of the fire district with the function of overseeing the operation and maintenance of the fire department including the building and equipment. For insurance purposes, the structure is owned by the city of Medford, but all costs for its upkeep and maintenance are divided among the member municipalities.

When it comes to the library, the building is entirely owned by the city of Medford as a branch of the city government, much like the police department, public works or city pool. The library receives some funding from Taylor County, based on the circulation to non-city residents. Under state law, the library is managed by an independent library board which is appointed by the city council. Things like roof and carpets have an expected lifespan and wear out over time and must be replaced. Rather than accruing for these maintenance projects as is done with other public buildings, the city of Medford instead is expecting the library board to utilize its operational and programming budget and seek grants for fundamental building maintenance needs.

When the Frances L. Simek Memorial Library in Medford opened its doors in December 1998, it was a shining example of what the community is capable of when people come together. It was built through community donations spearheaded by Pep and Fran Simek.

The generosity of community residents and businesses is unmatched when there is a need. If there was a need for a major upgrade to the library, there is little doubt about the community’s willingness to make it happen. However, with the city of Medford having literally millions of dollars sitting in reserve accounts, it is well within the city’s budgeting capability to do the needed work without having to make a community appeal.

If the city of Medford expects the library board to accrue for building repairs and longterm maintenance items, then the city of Medford should increase the operational budget to cover those expenses. Otherwise, the city should treat the building like it does the public works shop, city hall or any other city-owned building and budget for capital projects as they are needed.