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Carnegie building's future tied to Medford's space needs By JILL BRISKEY Public comments regarding the old Carnegie library in downtown Medford have been suspended until a study of the city's long-term space needs is completed. The study - which will include an analysis of each department's projected growth and anticipated needs - should be finished by Christmas, according to Deputy City Manager Jef Faw. In 2003, ownership of the 15,000-square-foot building will revert from Jackson County to Medford but a decision regarding its future use hasn't been reached. Possibilities suggested by residents and city officials include a child care center, museum, municipal court or community center. Other suggestions include leasing the structure to a private party or a creating space for educational needs. "Any number of city offices could relocate there," Faw added. Faw said the study's consultant - who has not yet been hired - will be asked to include the old Carnegie library and its possible uses during the analysis. During a study session Thursday, council members were concerned that suspending public input would take away the community's voice in the process. Other council members expressed concern about using a historic building for office space. "I sure would rather have that in the hands of local citizens ... it's near and dear to their hearts," said Councilman Bill Moore. "I think we ought to keep our cotton-pickin' hands off it." Councilman Skip Knight agreed. "We have a jewel that's right downtown," Knight said. "I would like to see it used for some other type of community activity." City officials will form a committee of residents and gather more public comment before a decision is made. Faw said stalling public comments for a short time will allow the future committee to use information that's not available. City Attorney Ron Doyle told the council that the consultant would make suggestions, not decisions. The study will cost between $30,000 and $50,000, the money coming from the City Hall remodeling budget. Library services began in Medford in 1903 when a private library association formed. Dues then cost 25 cents per month. The Medford City Council established a public library in City Hall in 1908. The city later requested money from philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, who gave the community $20,000 on the condition that Medford would support the structure with $2,000 a year for maintenance. Medford's library was completed in 1912 at a cost of $17,298. At the time it served a population of 10,000 and held 20,000 books. The structure was deeded in 1979 to the county, which manages the library system. Reach reporter Jill Briskey at 776-4485, or e-mail [email protected] Mail Tribune Home | Ottaway Newspapers, Inc. | Dow Jones & Co., Inc. | Privacy | Contact Us Copyright � 2001 Mail Tribune, Inc.