This whole idea of a new main library should be put to a city-wide vote before any more time or money is wasted.

I agree. When were the voters asked whether they want a new/bigger library. As more and more information and books are available on line, I question this as a priority. Put it to a vote of the citizens first, please!

How did we move so quickly from "do we need a new library?" to "where should we build the new library?"

The answer to the first question is a resounding no. I don't know what power Arrillaga exerts over the council members (campaign donations? jobs?) but one deep-pocketed non-resident should not dictate how we spend our tax dollars. Menlo Park does not need another "Arrillaga Family" building -- those buildings should belong to and serve the community.

The wastefulness of this project is a disgrace. There is no compelling need for a new library.

What is it about Arrillaga and the city? Why has the city not pushed for a donation of money for a new library in the Belle Haven neighborhood? A new Library at Burgess is a ridiculous idea with the availability of books and other reading material available on line the need is just not there. The old one is still perfectly functional and does not need to be replaced. This is a waste of money and a slap in the face to those living east of the 101. Get your priorities in order Menlo Park. Have Arrillaga donate money to the new pedestrian underpass near Middle Ave and name it after him.

"the city will also seek public input on other possible uses for the library, such as housing or a new city council chambers."

New housing where the current library is located? Is this a joke? Since when is it okay to build housing in a public park? Unbelievable.

thanks for getting the City Manager on record about MCC, Kate. All too frequently the City of Menlo Park staff just decide to forge ahead with their own agenda with little or no meaningful community input. And I'll echo the comment above about the "brilliant" idea to add "housing" to the Library plans - in a City park. File that one under, what were they thinking..drinking?!

The City Manager does what he wants, pushing the council around.

The City Manager is in over his head, and keeps hiring underlings.

The last thing we need is a new main library. Or any library for that matter. At the rate of technological change, in 5 to 10 years libraries will be an anachronism. Libraries are already scanning their collections onto digital media. All of the material available in a library will soon be available on line. So, why spend a dime on a new library? If Arrillaga wants to foot the total bill so he can have another building with his name on it, fine. I don't think we need to spend OUR money to feed his ego.

The usefulness of our library goes beyond books and video rentals. It's become a gathering place, a computer-usage spot for those who have no other access, a language-learning facility and possibly more with which I'm not familiar.

For those reasons, the library could use more space. But not all that much. An addition would be adequate and much less costly. Or, for those above-named activities or perhaps others, the Arrigilia building at the other end could free up some of their rooms?

I for one don't think any housing is a good idea for the library. Let that be in another locale, with affordability. The key phrase is "Get it DONE!"

The City Manager needs to be managed - and if the council can't do it we need new council members.

The latest CAFR shows the expanding unfunded liabilities of the city, which are in effect guaranteed by the propriety owners. As employees are added, the deficit expands.

The new library is supposed to provide a significant increase in community use space for meetings, groups, etc, which is needed. A new library downtown itself is not.

Can we split these 2 needs apart?

I agree with the idea of making the library question a ballot issue. Let the people speak! Here's another idea - if the library needs more space for community projects, what about adding a second story to the current structure? I imagine that would cost a lot less than $40 million. I have said before and will say again, if the City Manager insists on pushing this project forward, I think the City Council's next effort should be to legalize prostitution in Menlo Park - let's spread the wealth!

The Library is currently long stacks of unread books from a bygone Dewey Decimal System era. I can't believe that half of the stacks can't be lost and we add the smaller meeting rooms as needed. And leave the Council chamber as is for larger meetings. If this Bond Measure goes through, $20M equates to over $1000 per resident with interest. I'm not convinced of the 'need'