DISQUS

Jane D. · 9 months ago

It's my understanding that the county union won't allow volunteers to do many of the necessary jobs at the library. At least, that was the case several years ago when Blasco first opened.

inked · 9 months ago

Why not close on a day, when more people are likely to be at work and less likely to be at the library. Sunday seems like a day when people have no work commitments they might be able to go to the library, and it will be closed.

Also, what about all the night before research before papers are due? That is when I did all mine - lol

inked · 9 months ago

"The Erie Art Museum, boasting more than 6,000 objects in its permanent
collection, has loaned approximately 25 paintings for display in the offices of Congresswoman Kathy Dahlkemper, County Executive Mark Divecchio and Judge John Garhart."

My question is what happens if and or when the items are damaged? Who is the responsible party. As the director of a museum in Florida, I have a set policy that nothing goes out of the museum.

People give items to the museum, not necessary to be loaned out all over the county. I question this, when there are local artists who are more than willing to let their work be displayed for free in exchange for some exposure.

Once something is damaged, it can't be easily replaced.

Just my opinion.

Dale · 9 months ago

Inked~the county is in severe financial trouble, the four Sunday hours are the most expensive due to overtime costs and number of employees required. There are six other days to visit at a much lower cost to the county. You should get off your butt and finish your papers before the last day. LOL

Point is, the Library is a great asset to the community, but far from a vital necessity. When you are out of cash, the least necessary things are the first to go, at least in my home.

Jonathan · 9 months ago

Whoa, Dale... did you just refer to the library as one of "the least necessary things." I am disturbed by this statement.

Dale · 9 months ago

Jonathan~Probably not the best choice of words on my part. I was trying to make the point that there is plenty of opportunity for everyone to utilize the library. Granted, some will not be able to get there, but I don't feel closing for four hours on Sunday is a major problem in the short term.

DannyZ · 9 months ago

I would think closing the library during it's busiest 4 hour period is indeed a major problem. I would bet more than "some" would not be able to get there if it is closed Sundays--there is a reason why it is the busiest day of the week for the library.

Cutting one hour a day Monday thru Saturday would reap the same savings and allow better access to an important part of our community.

inked · 9 months ago

I understand, but if they kept Sunday, and lost say four hours out of the middle of the week, say, give everyone 2 hour lunches, they could stay open on a weekend.
Thus reducing the hours, and keeping Sunday - sometimes you have to think outside the box and get creative.

Sometime the people who make the decisions, take the easy way out.

anonymous · 9 months ago

You would have to close 6 hours during the week to make up 4 hours on Sunday because the employees make 1.5 times their regular daily pay on a Sunday.

You also have to consider that the Blasco Library is a district center, meaning they support every library in Erie County and also provide assistant to libraries in Crawford County. They are mandated to be open a certain number of hours per week in order to receive extra funding to be a district center. Closing during the week is not feasbile when the Blsaco Library is supporting all these other libraries.

Dale · 9 months ago

I think what would be really great, would be for the ASCME to ask their members to volunteer an hour or two a week to help keep the facility operating.
Many businesses give employees time off to do community service, why could not the Union give a tiny concession in this situation? It would also go a long way toward creating a better feeling toward the unions, who are not viewed in a very good light by the community. It would certainly show that the union leaders were concerned about the entire community, and not just their own little agenda.

inked · 9 months ago

I am sure there is some compromise to be had to keep the library open. There has got to be some area in the entire city or county budget that very few people care or know about that could be gotten rid of to keep the libraries open.

Perhaps a little less salary to some overpaid official who is actually doing less than their share or some perk that somebody is taking advantage of like a county car and gas. One less county car a year with the payment, insurance, gas, and maintenance could go a long way to this end.

Follow some of the employees around in their assigned vehicles and take it away from them when you catch them running personal errands or even napping in their car. Take it and use the funds to serve the community.