However, it is important to understand that the lease agreement does not allow the Town to provide library services. This agreement will go to Town Council at our May 16 meeting. I plan to vote in favor.
After County Council selected the Grimball Road site for the new library branch on James Island, Town Council has consistently advocated keeping the existing branch open as well. Former County Councilman Joe Qualey worked to keep the Camp Road branch open. Our new County Councilwoman, Jenny Honeycutt did the same. Unfortunately, she could not find a majority of County Council that was willing to provide the funding necessary to keep the Camp Road branch open as well as fund the new and larger James Island branch opening on Grimball Road. She was able to find a majority willing to lease the building to the Town at a nominal cost--$1 per year.
While it was apparent that County Council was not willing to fund two libraries on James Island, and that only the new, larger, Grimball Road facility would be funded, we had hoped that the County Library would be willing to contract with the Town and continue to provide at least some library services at the Camp Road site at Town expense. Our preliminary contact with the acting Director of the Library was very positive.
The Town received a lease agreement last month that included as a possible use, "library services funded by the Town." That agreement was included in the agenda packet for our April meeting. However, at the very last minute, the Charleston County Library Board contacted Charleston County and insisted that the lease agreement be changed to remove library services as a possible use, prevent the use of the name "library" in the name of the Town facility, and to prevent any County funds or County staff be used at the facility. While we understood that no County funds would be used, we had hoped that we could pay to have County (library) staff provide services.
Town Council went ahead and approved the original lease agreement, rather than the last minute modification. We hoped that County Council would agree with our position. I believe that Councilwoman Honeycutt supported our position but the majority sided with the Library Board. Therefore, the Town has a great opportunity to have a building at nominal cost that we can use for any educational purpose. Unfortunately, library services are not included. I believe that the Library Board wants to make sure that James Islanders will use the new branch at Grimball Road. I certainly plan to do so.
This summer, the Town will hold a charrette to obtain public input about uses of the building. Please be on the lookout for your chance to share your opinion.
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