The Provo Library Boards crusade for a new public library is moving into its crucial phase – fund raising. Already contacts have begun in the “advance gifts” phase. according to Max C. Elliott, general chairman of the $2,1 million fund campaign. “Weire shooting for a September kickoff of the major public drive.” As a library patron. l surely endorse the board’s program. We do need a new facility. A guierous response is critically needed in a fund drive of this dimension. l am sure board members would like to see the public embrace the drive as “our cmsade” as well as theirs. A good library’s worth is inestimahle in a community. Who was it that said the destiny of a people is linked, with the quality of its libraries’? for words to that efiectl, Certainly libraries can enlighten and motivate the citizenry besides enhancing cultural. educational and recreational enrichment. Why isn’t Provo’s presait public library adequate for the future? it has served well; so has is staff. But it’s just too small to provide all the services a city of our size needs. Expansion isn’t practical because it’s “locked in.” both buildingand parking-wise. Do you realize that Provo’s first public library building was erected through a $17,500 Carnegie grant back in 1907-D8? And that were still in that building. remodeled and expanded in 193H? Just looking at population figures gives some pretty good clues on why this library is inadequate today In 1908 Provo had about 7,5tD inhabitants. in 1909. approximately 17.500, Today the figure is estimated at just over 80.000. By the way, the board is completmg an educational lilm on the proposed new library, Perhaps you would like to show this to your civic or womens group. l’ve taken occasion to interview several library board members and find them enthusiastically devoted to the building cause. People of imser dedication might have givm up alter a proposed library bond issue lost at the polls eight years ago by 4 percent of the vote. But the hoard accepted this as a new challuige and “went back to the drawing board.” Ralph C. Amott, new board chairman. said of his co-members: “They are intelligent, committed persons who are trying responsibility to fill an important need.” Besides Amott. members are Elliott. ( board vice chairman as well as generalis- J simo of fund-raising; Marvin E. Wiggins. immediate past chairman; Mary B. Rogers, Jane N, Vance, Barbara Merrell, Don T. Nelson and Ruel Rllred. l have an idea many people who have examined the architects drawings are excited about the proposed triangularshaped modernistic library with a glassed lront that will face northeasterly toward the mountains from its location west of the City Center. With an open, highly functional style, the building also will have its enclosed areas such as the large multi-purpose room for public meetings. etc. The location still has some critics twould any choice ever be unanimousili, but theres a great deal to say for the site. For one thing it’s city-owned. acquired largely for this purpose, For another. parking is more than ample and this is important. As l vbualize it. the sparkling new library will complement ibut not matcht the City Center. Togethm- the two can be a needed anchor to that West Center area. Every library board member l interviewed has observed an increasingly positive public feeling about a new library. Amott sees a “total change” in the public attitude. Vance believes the citizens will catch the spirit and respond generously. Elliott is exceedingly cautious but has faith the people will rally to the cause. Larry L. Horton. library director. says: “I think the public is ready.” Wiggins sees encouraging sigm and stresses that support must come tmm every segment of the community. l Another statement by Wiggins impressed me and might serve as food for thought for all of us: ( ”The library fund drive will afford an ; opportunity for every potential contributor to help accomplish something of lasting significance in our community.”