Provo City proposes to build a new library on the block just west of t.he City Center – and is asking approval of a $4 million bond for that purpose, at the Nov. 7 election. We commend city officials and the library board for bringing the plan before the voters at a regular election wherein a representative vote is pretty much assured. So many bond proposals by our taxing units are decided at “special elections” in which about the only certain thing is that the vote will be light, with a small percentage of the citizenry making the decision. Proponents have explained the need for a new library, and the cost, which they say wi l require a 2.4-mill levy to repay the bonds over a 20-Lear period. They have done this rge y through presentations before civic clubs and other groups, via a mailed brochure, and news coverage. On Nov. 1, 2, and 3 an open house is planned at the present library at First East and Center so that people may examine the present facilities. And a public meeting is planned Wednesday, Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m. at the library. We would hope t.he public will respond, and that anyone seeking information will be able to ask questions, be he for, against, or neutral at this point. There are, indeed, questions. While we are not aware of any organized opposition, there obviously are s arp differences of opinion and a number have taken sides publically. Through the years, The Herald consistently has stood for economy at all government levels, and holding the line on taxes. However, we feel a need in the growing community of Provo – county seat, third largest city in the state, hub of education – to look after the cultural and intellectual needs. This has been a pattem here since pioneer days. Early settlers had a small tpub ‘c library. There was a “Li rary and Reading Room Association” as early as 1872. The city’s history tel s of circulating libraries on a church basis, of reading rooms and book clubs and of establishing a library in the basement of the courthouse (predecessor oi the present County Building) in 1906. A $17,500 grant from Andrew Carnegie made lplossible a library at the present ‘rst East-Center location. This was remodeled and expanded in 1939, under a federal grant, into the present facility, which, we understand, is to be sold to the county if the bond passes. Since this remodeling, Provo’s population has grown more than 3’/: times (1940 census, 18,071; 1910 census, 53,131; today’s estimate in the library brochure, 63,000). A study by two Utah State University professors disclosed that of four metro counties along the Wasatch Front, Utah County showed the highest percentage of growth between 1970 – 1977. We’re only kidding ourselves if we rationalize that the growth won’t continue, Sales & Marketing Management, in a study of potential markets, predicted Provo Orem would be the seventh fastest-growing metro area in the entire country in the five-year period ending in 1981. We recognize there are two sides to the library issue. For our part, we feel the farsighted thing is to accept the recommendation of those who have made the detailed studies and build a library, to keep pace. Unfortrmately the cost is high. The building itself would cost $2.5 million, with $255,000 for surveys and design, $250,000 for new books, $55,000 for fumiture and equipment, and most of the balance for site acquisition and development. But the cost will get a lot higher if we delay. Certainly we would urge economy and practicality in design, construction, and operation – and that city officials scale down the mill levy in other areas, if possible, to minimize the tax impact. We would like to see them make a commitment to this effort. We trust. all decisions haven’t been made. In fact we understand the city solicits competent public input. Where refinements and economies can be made, these should be accomplished. The immediate step sought by the city, of course, is voter authorization. A decision on this will be made Nov. 7 – and your vote will help determine what the verdict will be.