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Ashland library works on new chapter photo by Jim Craven Reference Librarian Bill Ashworth sorts through shelves in the narrow aisles at the Ashland Library. A bond measure on the Nov. 2 ballot would add 16,700 square feet of space and provide more parking. $5.96 million expansion bond measure needs majority vote, turnout By DANI DODGE ASHLAND -- Every winter, the Ashland Library loses dozens of books. Some years, it loses hundreds. But the culprit isn't a thief, forgetful bookworm, or a ravenous dog with a penchant for Shakespeare. It's mildew. "For the longest time we've had a weeping wall," said librarian John Sexton. "We joked that maybe we could get people to pay money to see it. If they can find divine images in tortillas ... maybe here, too." And although they did nickname one water spot "Madonna," they aren't really expecting to make money off of it. They are actually hoping Ashland voters on Nov. 2 will approve a $5.96 million bond to expand and renovate the 1912 Carnegie library. Not only is the library plagued with shifting springs beneath it that push water through the building's walls and floors, but there's not enough room for books or people. Most of the time, when the library adds a book to its collection of 70,000, it only means another must be discarded. "Our community would really benefit from a 10-volume encyclopedia set of Native American culture," Sexton said. "Instead we had to get a three-volume set. We didn't have the room for the other." The renovation would include a public meeting room, an expanded children's library, a young adult section, computer labs, a larger adult reading area, a reading terrace and increased circulation storage. It adds an addition to the existing library of about 16,700 square feet for a total of 23,000 square feet. The size is expected to feel comfortable through 2025. It would also increase parking spaces from 12 to 22 or possibly more. Passage of the bond would mean the owner of a $170,000 house would pay $78.12 annually for 20 years on the project. For years, members of the Friends of the Ashland Library waited for the county to pass a bond that would upgrade library facilities countywide. But the county had other pressing needs, such as a woefully inadequate juvenile detention center. "I said, `Let's do it ourselves,"' said Barbara Ryberg, Friends president. "Everyone said, `Thank goodness, it's about time."' At first, county officials were decidedly miffed. But library officials and Mayor Cathy Shaw, who has been helping Ryberg lead the charge for a separate Ashland measure, agreed they wouldn't start selling the Ashland bonds until the county had a chance to put its measure on the ballot. Then, if the county measure passes, the Ashland bond would be folded into it, and the cost for Ashland residents would be reduced. Acting County Administrator Sue Slack said county officials no longer have an issue with the Ashland measure and expect to roll the bonds together when the county passes its own bond measure May 2000. Some residents have complained about the cost of the building, the lack of parking and the design. Retired architect Vince Oredson, who designed a 1970s addition to the library, said the community should start over with a new, "fresh" design, instead of tying the addition to the old library with a glass corridor. He also said the parking plan that increases the spaces is inadequate. "They are in a state of denial about parking," he said. "They are increasing the size of the building but only increasing the parking by a handful." Ryberg noted that large metropolitan libraries, such as those in San Francisco and Portland, don't provide any parking. She said able-bodied library patrons have a multitude of parking possibilities if they go across East Main, or down the street a block. "Parking is a state of mind," she said. "You'll never have enough parking: I've driven around the Costco parking lot for a space." And she said it's important to spend the $800,000 it will cost to renovate the ailing Carnegie library. Most people who have publicly commented on the measure are supportive of it -- even several hard-core fiscal conservatives. Ryberg said her biggest challenge is not persuading people to vote yes, but getting them to vote at all. A 50 percent voter turnout is necessary for a yes vote to be valid. A vote for the library gives people a chance to meld both the past and the future, she added. "It represents more than a building, but history and tradition," she said. "What Carnegie did, we are doing again for the community, namely, to provide a space where people can have recreation, entertainment and education, and they can do it in a community setting that is comfortable for everyone." Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1999, Medford, Oregon USA