Does anyone know how the art work for the new branch was selected? Other branches had neighborhood members advising so that the art reflected the historical and cultural traditions of the neighborhood. Given that this is one of the oldest parts of the city I hope there will be some references to its rich heritage.
During the tour I attended, I made a point of asking how artists were going to be chosen and whether it would be open to a juried process. I was told that the library has a list of artists it has worked with before and would reach out to them. There was no detailed explanation of how many people that involved or whether new artists might have a chance to submit slides or draft proposals.
There was a public vote opportunity to decide between "Slabtown" and "Swifts" as a NW library theme. "Swifts" was chosen by patron vote, so artwork will have to do with birds, possibly hanging from the ceiling and soaring overhead. Same with the colors on the outside and inside. "Slabtown" would have used earth colors and "Swifts" is blue, which is what we are getting.
Despite the space being twice as large, I understand that resources (books, etc.) actually in the library in tangible form will be no greater than what we have in the current NW branch. A lot of information will be available for transfer or electronically available for download.
We live 1 1/2 blocks from the new library - we're both excited and very concerned about the new library. Unfortunately, it doesn't sound like the library really has a specific plan to deal with homeless people congregating at the shelter. Calling the library a "de facto day shelter" is a ridiculous comment - Multnomah County needs to decide what the purpose of a library is. Doesn't help that the Northrup overnight shelter is just a few blocks away....
It’s mind boggling to me that the city continues to spend money on new public spaces, and then basically hand them over to the homeless population because they aren’t providing “real” 24/7 shelters with wraparound services. It’s both sad and infuriating that now the actual neighborhood residents have to fear for their safety (and let’s face it, greatly reduced usage and enjoyment of the library their dollars pay for) because the people in government here won’t step up and do their jobs. They’ve sacrificed our public transit system, parks, libraries - the list goes on and on.
Where are the district 4 councilors (again) in this whole issue? These representatives they send to discuss these topics always seem exceedingly uneducated regarding the rules/regulations they should be the experts on. The overnight shelter(s), the less than impressive day center, and now the library are creating a “Bermuda Triangle” to throw away a lot of money while continuing to remove vital livability for thousands of Pearl/NW residents. Do we need to start recalls here, or what can we do so the entire NW area isn’t sacrificed to utter and ongoing stupidity?
The demonstrable stupidity and ignorance of the county / library snowflake staff person about the scope and reach of Oregon and the power and authority of the Oregon legislature is truly breathtaking. Typical, mind you, of county employees, but still breathtaking.
We've witnessed the violence and drug trade at the downtown central library. And are we to expect the same for our brand new library??!! Yep, can't have anything nice when the drug addicted and untreated mentally ill move in. Once AGAIN, putting the ordinary citizens at risk. Thanks city.
I agree everyone should do this, but they should also email their district 4 reps. Peterson will say it’s the city’s responsibility, the city will say it is hers (I believe she’s even currently in a public battle with the DA regarding the Multnomah County library stabbing), and not one of them will take responsibility.
Does anyone know how the art work for the new branch was selected? Other branches had neighborhood members advising so that the art reflected the historical and cultural traditions of the neighborhood. Given that this is one of the oldest parts of the city I hope there will be some references to its rich heritage.
During the tour I attended, I made a point of asking how artists were going to be chosen and whether it would be open to a juried process. I was told that the library has a list of artists it has worked with before and would reach out to them. There was no detailed explanation of how many people that involved or whether new artists might have a chance to submit slides or draft proposals.
There was a public vote opportunity to decide between "Slabtown" and "Swifts" as a NW library theme. "Swifts" was chosen by patron vote, so artwork will have to do with birds, possibly hanging from the ceiling and soaring overhead. Same with the colors on the outside and inside. "Slabtown" would have used earth colors and "Swifts" is blue, which is what we are getting.
Despite the space being twice as large, I understand that resources (books, etc.) actually in the library in tangible form will be no greater than what we have in the current NW branch. A lot of information will be available for transfer or electronically available for download.
And there will be a lactation room.
We live 1 1/2 blocks from the new library - we're both excited and very concerned about the new library. Unfortunately, it doesn't sound like the library really has a specific plan to deal with homeless people congregating at the shelter. Calling the library a "de facto day shelter" is a ridiculous comment - Multnomah County needs to decide what the purpose of a library is. Doesn't help that the Northrup overnight shelter is just a few blocks away....
It’s mind boggling to me that the city continues to spend money on new public spaces, and then basically hand them over to the homeless population because they aren’t providing “real” 24/7 shelters with wraparound services. It’s both sad and infuriating that now the actual neighborhood residents have to fear for their safety (and let’s face it, greatly reduced usage and enjoyment of the library their dollars pay for) because the people in government here won’t step up and do their jobs. They’ve sacrificed our public transit system, parks, libraries - the list goes on and on.
Where are the district 4 councilors (again) in this whole issue? These representatives they send to discuss these topics always seem exceedingly uneducated regarding the rules/regulations they should be the experts on. The overnight shelter(s), the less than impressive day center, and now the library are creating a “Bermuda Triangle” to throw away a lot of money while continuing to remove vital livability for thousands of Pearl/NW residents. Do we need to start recalls here, or what can we do so the entire NW area isn’t sacrificed to utter and ongoing stupidity?
The demonstrable stupidity and ignorance of the county / library snowflake staff person about the scope and reach of Oregon and the power and authority of the Oregon legislature is truly breathtaking. Typical, mind you, of county employees, but still breathtaking.
We've witnessed the violence and drug trade at the downtown central library. And are we to expect the same for our brand new library??!! Yep, can't have anything nice when the drug addicted and untreated mentally ill move in. Once AGAIN, putting the ordinary citizens at risk. Thanks city.
But JVP says that they’re our houseless neighbors!
mult.chair@multco.us
Make sure to email Jessica Vega Pederson with your safety/security questions/concerns for our new NW library.
I agree everyone should do this, but they should also email their district 4 reps. Peterson will say it’s the city’s responsibility, the city will say it is hers (I believe she’s even currently in a public battle with the DA regarding the Multnomah County library stabbing), and not one of them will take responsibility.