Cherrydale Branch Library

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Mr. Clancy's Responses:

1. Do you support maintaining the current funding level of the Arlington County Department of Libraries?

Each year, the budget must be looked at anew so that priorities can be established and dollars allocated based on anticipated revenue. For example, my campaign has focused in part on various public safety initiatives, including increasing police staffing, upgrading the current part-time EMS medic units to full-time, 24-hour service, and ending the very dangerous practice of staffing fire trucks with only three rather than the standard four firefighters. I also believe that libraries are a very important part of this community. Accordingly, I find it difficult to imagine any circumstances that would require any cut to library funding. In fact, under normal circumstances, I would expect library funding to increase each year.

2. What are your views on concentrating the County's library system in a smaller number of locations as opposed to maintaining the network of neighborhood libraries?

I oppose the attempts of the current Board members to concentrate the library system into fewer locations. I know from personal experience that much of the appeal of a neighborhood branch is its closeness to home and the ease with which a smaller collection can be used by certain segments of the population, such as children and teenagers. A neighborhood branch is accessible to those traveling by foot, such as parents or nannies with strollers, teenagers and senior citizens. There is also a certain charm in having a neighborhood librarian who knows you and your children and your tastes in books. Thus, although there may be certain economies to centralizing operations and eliminating smaller locations, I believe far too much would be lost. In short, I am a strong supporter of maintaining the neighborhood network of libraries.

3. As a member of the County Board, will you seek to close Cherrydale Library?

No. For the reasons stated above, I would oppose any attempt to close the Cherrydale Library. In fact, my family has signed a petition in the past in support of keeping the Cherrydale branch open.

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Mr. Fisette's Responses:

1. Do you support maintaining the current funding level of the Arlington County Department of Libraries?

Yes. My support extends beyond words, to past actions. My record over the past four years reflects support for our library system and library department. Library services are an essential function of our county government. In fact, I have become especially well acquainted with library department staff as they are responsible for the County website and for the coordination of my monthly on-line Conversations with the Chairman. I am especially proud of our Cyber Centers and the overall quality of our library services. Ultimately, our libraries are an essential element of the vision of Arlington as a learning community.

2. What are your views on concentrating the County's library system in a smaller number of locations as opposed to maintaining the network of neighborhood libraries?

I presume that neighborhood libraries are here to stay. They are an integral part of the fabric of the neighborhoods that they serve. The Director of the Department of Libraries and the County Manager would have to provide a compelling rationale/alternative for us to deviate from our longstanding commitment to neighborhood libraries.

3. As a member of the County Board, will you seek to close Cherrydale Library?

No. Now who would be so crazy?! Clearly we have already had this debate during my time on the Board, initiated by the County Manager, and the arguments were made and failed.