Following is a note from our sister-neighborhood representative at Walnut Crossing:
I have been in discussions with John Gillum of the Austin Public Library for some years now about the future expansion of the Milwood Branch into what has been called a “Regional Hub”, “Resource Library”, “mini-central libraries” or various other names for what is to be one of four significantly larger satellites to the Central Library.
It provides an opportunity to create a major focal point for our neighborhoods for decades to come, so whether it is a success or a failure is in my opinion of vital importance.
This is a very long term endeavor, with funding for it years away still. HOWEVER, John has asked me to start the process of developing and compiling the community’s thoughts into a BUILDING PROGRAM that will be created with the library staff. This document will help shape a future bond proposal and subsequently would be used to guide the design of the building with whatever firms and architects are eventually brought on board.
Toward that end, I am extending an invitation to folks in the neighborhoods who would be interested in being part of a working group that would help craft this document. At this point I am first just compiling an email list of people who would like to be actively involved in some capacity. Eventually we will hold some public forums or surveys for people to come and give ideas or opinions, but that is still a bit in the future. First I’m looking for the people who might be interested in organizing those events, researching ideas, doing surveys and helping me guide the effort.
If you are one of those people, or have other skills that may be of help in this, email Javier Bonafont and he’ll put you on the list and we can coordinate a meeting sometime soon.
