by Lamont Cranston : 10/29/08 5:56am - Report Abuse

Why is the mall management demanding $500,000 on leased property? If the property were owned by the library it might makes sense. Time to move!

by B A : 10/29/08 7:06am - Report Abuse

Close this useless place. While you're at it, close the others as well. What a waste of money maintaining a giant warehouse of books when the same task can be achived with a single computer and the internet.

by turkey lurker : 10/29/08 8:09am - Report Abuse

I have always felt that this has been a poor use of library dollars.

If I had not bought (and paid off) my house I would be homeless now.

by ima taxpayer : 10/29/08 9:16am - Report Abuse

Given the current state of the economy and the empty storefronts at Westfield, I don't think they are in a position to demand anything of the library. Due to the filthy bathrooms and gangsters crawling all over that place, my family no longer shops at the mall. FVRL should take a serious look at other locations that are sitting empty, probably cheaper, and would present a more family-friendly atmosphere.

by John K : 10/29/08 9:41am - Report Abuse

Surely there are more attractive and economical options than Westfield Mall. Spending $500,000 on remodeling private property is an outrageous use of taxpayer dollars.

by Megan Sarvela : 10/29/08 10:03am - Report Abuse

Closing the Mall library would be very unfortunate for our community. It serves the Central Vancouver/Orchards area, which otherwise would not have easy access to a library. By being located in the mall, the library attrachs visitors that may never visit a library if they didn't stumble accross it while visiting the mall. It exposes children to the library in ways that other branches cannot do as stand alone buildings. I hope that the fvrl and Westfield Mall can come to some agreement that works for both parties.

by J.A. Card : 10/29/08 10:27am - Report Abuse

There are many vacant commercial buildings in that area that would feel quite fortunate to have a lease signed- all with much better parking, I might add. Like many retail outlets who have seen the light, it's time to move on from Westfield.

by turkey lurker : 10/29/08 11:49am - Report Abuse

Indeed, it should be obvious that moving the Vancouver Mall library out of Westfield Mall is what needs to happen here.

by dayglo junkie : 10/29/08 12:27pm - Report Abuse

What you people need to realize is that this library is CLOSING for GOOD! not moving to another location! Another thing to keep in mind. The library provides people with more than just books, they provide storytimes, book groups, young adult services, computer classes, free documents that you would otherwise have to pay out of pocket for, internet access, wi-fi, and last but not least, a community meeting place for people to gather. I understand that some of you may think that libraries are absolete and all you need is a computer and internet connection to get what you need. All I have to say to those people is visit one of your local libraries and check it out! I am willing to bet you haven't been in a library in many years, they have changed for the better.

by turkey lurker : 10/29/08 1:25pm - Report Abuse

I finished a library book this morning and started another one already.
I support and enjoy our community library system.
Economic reality dictates that some cuts MUST be made.
WAH!

by dayglo junkie : 10/29/08 3:01pm - Report Abuse

I understand that cuts need to be made however, the administration at FVRL is extremely top heavy-with many people in management postions that are making a rediculous amount of money. Also, there are a few building projects that are in the works. As you can tell, there are other ways to cut spending that FVRL will not consider. Don't you think that with our economy being the way it is that citizens will be utilizing the libraries more frequently? It's a proven fact that this is the case. Then of course there is the matter of staff losing their jobs but I suppose this isn't the venue to discuss that issue. Turkey, you should consider going to an FVRL Board of Directors meeting, they are open to the public and the next one is on November 10th at 2pm at the Ridgefield Public Library. See you there!

by turkey lurker : 10/29/08 3:44pm - Report Abuse

Difficult times require difficult measures.

When the economic situation improves a library will be opened in that area somewhere.
The sky is not falling, Chicken Little!