You may have heard that libraries are obsolete and that the new electronic age has made them a dying breed, and a thing of the past because that younger folks just are not reading books. This rumor just isn’t so in Lakeside, where our library in Lindo Lake Park is a bustling place. Folks are still coming to read, check out books, research on the computer and enjoy a variety of educational programs being offered.
You may have heard that libraries are obsolete and that the new electronic age has made them a dying breed, and a thing of the past because that younger folks just are not reading books. This rumor just isn’t so in Lakeside, where our library in Lindo Lake Park is a bustling place. Folks are still coming to read, check out books, research on the computer and enjoy a variety of educational programs being offered.
Well, the local buzz is that Lakeside needs a larger library, one three times as large as the present one. And it is is true, there is a push to build a new larger facility and the Friends of The Library are leading the charge. After all, Poway, Alpine, Ramona and Julian all have new libraries so why shouldn’t Lakeside?
Barbara Ferreira, the president of the Friends of Lakeside Library and her husband Bill, along with committee members, Dorothy Wood, the fundraiser and Leslie Ward, the treasurer, are moving forward with the dream of a larger facility. Supervisor, Dianne Jacob, had mentioned the possibility a few months ago at her Lakeside Revitalization meeting, and to top it off, the County has thrown in $125,000 toward finding a site for the building. Ferreira said that she couldn’t believe how fast the project is moving forward.
Wood, the fundraiser, said that the first thing that needs to happen is to have letters of support going to the Board Of Supervisors, from the various organizations and community members as well. Then they need to start their fundraising efforts. So far they have coin collection jars in various businesses around Lakeside, such as Copy Corral, Cafe 67, Allies Gifts and the Historical Society. Wood placed a “mini library” in the Community Center and History Center, where folks can buy gently used books for a nominal price to help the cause. Eastbound Restaurant offered to host a fundraiser and give a percentage of the sales to the future library. Wood said that the goal is $100,000 that will go toward the furnishings and equipment inside the new building. “The Friends of the Library has been reenergized.” she said.
The existing library had 18,471 people visiting and using its resources. It held 822 programs that were well attended, and the book and video circulation alone was 277,776 items. The County policy is to have a community room for space that can be used for classes and activities that the library offers to the community for local organizations and businesses.
If you wish to become a member of the Friends of Lakeside Library please contact Lakeside Library, 9839 Vine St. Lakeside or call 443-1811. Individual membership is $5, Family $10, Corporate $50, Lifetime $100. Donations to fund the new library are welcomed by the library and the community.
