The board of the Tacoma (Wash.) Public Library approved a plan November 20 that will transform its underused Swan Creek branch into a magnet library focused on providing literacy and library-instruction programs for the service area’s low-income population. “By adding these services, we will continue our mission of developing a community of readers,” TPL spokesperson David Domkoski said in the November 21 Tacoma News Tribune.
The plan, a year in the making and trimmed from officials’ original thought of converting four TPL branches, calls for the reduction of some 40% of Swan Creek’s holdings to make room for 15 more computers. Moore Branch Library Assistant Angelo De Fazio characterized this as “decimating” the collection.
Others fear that a two-year partnership with the nearby Tacoma Community House will eliminate some unionized jobs at Swan Creek. “Our goal is to keep this library healthy and vibrant,” TPL Director Susan Odencrantz countered, denying that union jobs will be cut.
Posted November 27, 2000.