Ward 3 Candidates	Mary Cheh	Cathy Wiss	Sam Brooks
Demographics
Do you have a DC Public Library Card, and if yes, for approximately how many years?	Yes, for well over 25 years.	I have had a DC Public Library card for at least 25 years.	I obtained my first DC Public Library Card about 20 years ago.
What branch do you consider serves as your neighborhood library?	For the last 20 years, our branch has been the Chevy Chase branch, but prior to that, when we lived in Cleveland Park, it was the Cleveland Park branch	The Tenley-Friendship Branch is my neighborhood library. Unfortunately, it has been closed for the last year and a half in anticipation of being rebuilt.	The Cleveland Park Public Library is my neighborhood branch.
How has the DC Public Library contributed to your life as a resident of the community?	The Public Library has been invaluable as a resource, particularly for my children as they were growing up. From the time that they had an interest in books and reading, they participated in a variety of library programs, including summer reading “competitions.” We have especially appreciated the special children’s section in the Chevy Chase Library and the library was always a favorite week-end outing for them and us. My husband and I have appreciated access to current books and use of the library as a resource for getting public documents and forms.	I have been actively involved with the Tenley-Friendship Branch Library as long as I have had a library card.  I have been a member of the board of the Friends group since 1995.  When I was president of the board, I instituted an annual garden lecture in memory of Henry Mitchell, the former garden editor of The Washington Post.  The Tenley Library has been an anchor to our community, an institution that serves all who come through its doors.  When my children were young, I took them to the library for story time and to find good books to read.  When they went to school, we found materials for school reports.  I use the library to check out books and to research personal and business issues.  The library is a wonderful place for meetings and community events.  I have helped put on art shows and special programs.	The DC Public Library System most directly contributes to my life in the form of the countless community meeting I have attended at the facilities. From candidate forums at Cleveland Park to ANC meetings at Mount Pleasant to the Ward 8 Democrats meetings at Washington Highlands, DC Public Libraries play a key role in bringing together community residents. It's because of these experiences that I am focused on supporting future library rebuilding to ensure continued adequate meeting space.  Perhaps the most memorable impact of DC Public Libraries on me was during my childhood years. I fondly remember going to my then-neighborhood branch, Georgetown, in the afternoons after school and during summer days. Whether for special children’s programs or simply to browse and check out books, my library played a real and important role in my upbringing.
Scope
With 27 library branches, does the Library System have the right number of  facilities to effectively serve the community?   If no, approximately what number would you advocate and why?	The number of branches may be adequate, but it is the condition of the physical space, the depth of the collections, the hours of operation, the technology, and the staffing that needs to be improved or increased. Moreover the reach of the branches can be extended by co-operative arrangements and outreach to school systems, senior citizen centers, community groups, and the like.	I would not reduce the number of branches we have now.  A major benefit of our library system is that we do have branches conveniently located in so many of our communities.	I believe that the most pressing concern of our public library system is not the number of or the geographic distribution of our branch libraries, but the condition of our libraries’ current facilities, resources, and programs.  My focus would be to do major renovations to our branch libraries and bring in new catalogues, furniture, and technology. We must increase funding to allow for expanded evening and weekend hours and community programs such as tutoring, adult literacy, computer training, financial literacy, and job readiness.  In general, I think we have approximately the right number of facilities to effectively serve the District.  However, the reach of our 27 branch libraries in this city could be much wider if we started to treat them as a priority, giving them the resources they need to be fully functional institutions of community education and empowerment.
Do you feel there are communities that are currently underserved by the DC Public Library?  If yes, which ones?	There are certain groups who are served but who may be better served, including persons who can’t get to the libraries such as the handicapped, institutionalized people, or others who are homebound. There are also homeless people and their children who may need more intensive outreach efforts. And we should probably do more for those who need to learn English as a second language.	The communities that may be underserved are those who may be reluctant to use the library or who have difficulty doing so.  These would include the illiterate, language minorities, the disabled, and seniors.	Since January 2005, four neighborhood libraries – Tenley-Friendship, Anacostia, Benning, and Waltha T. Daniel/Shaw – have been closed for construction. And yet, no construction has been started, and the buildings remain closed. At Tenley-Friendship, not even a temporary, interim space has been opened. This is outrageous. This continual postponement of bringing these libraries back online is depriving these communities of the resources that should be available to all neighborhoods. While new construction and renovation of our dilapidated libraries is a must, this needs to be done strategically, with proper planning and minimal disruption in services for the community.
What approaches would you support for reaching those currently underserved by the DC Public Library System?	I believe there are strategies in place and improvement will require a greater dedication of  resources and energy.	The library system offers materials and activities to reach these groups, including the Adult Basic Education Materials Collection, the Computer Assisted Literacy Center, GED materials and practice tests, large print and books in Braille, home delivery for those that are homebound, and the senior bookmobile service.  To continue to reach more people, I support advertisements in community newsletters, distributing flyers to community organizations, and having DCPL staff visit schools and community and senior centers to inform residents about DCPL's programs.  In areas with large numbers of language minorities, posting library signs in that language would entice people into the library.	Once again, my top priority will be to improve and expand the resources and programs of our current branch libraries.  I will also advocate for an increase in funding so that we can continue to expand evening and weekend hours. We must also do more community outreach to get the word out about library resources and programs.  Additionally, I am committed to improving inter-agency coordination.  I would push for stronger partnerships between DCPL, DCPS, and DCPR.  These agencies are natural allies in the education of our residents.  They need to be strategically working together year-round to help publicize and connect people to appropriate programs, and provide a more holistic integration of services.  For example, we could look into the cohabitation of a public library in a public school with excess space, or in a DCPR community center.  These public-public partnerships can help us expand our reach in the community, create a more comprehensive continuum of services, and save taxpayer dollars.
Does the District need a major central facility such as it now has with the Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial Library?  If yes, why?	Yes. The Central Library should be the repository of extensive and relevant special collections. In particular the history and public documents of the District should be fully developed and kept there. Rare books, photographs, and the papers of major figures in the city’s history and development should be a part of this. The Central Library should also be a beautiful manifestation of the City’s commitment to reading and learning, and it should be the venue for major research projects, symposia, and community gatherings.	I believe a central library is vital to an urban library system.  It shows the city's commitment to reading and learning.  Because of its size and central location, a central library's collection can have a greater depth and breadth than a branch library can have.  It can also include specialized collections, like Washingtoniana and Black History, and special programming space, like an auditorium or theater, which would not be possible at a branch library.	I believe the district should maintain a major central facility. Most of the first-rate public library systems around the county have such facilities, and a central branch can provide some advantages, such as programming, collections, and spaces that are impossible in our branch libraries. However, my focus on the Council will be on rebuilding and revitalizing our neighborhood branches. These are the libraries where the vast majority of residents interface with the library system. This is where we need to ensure we have cutting-edge technology, ample meeting space, top-notch programs for children and seniors, literacy training, homework help, and interesting and wide-ranging collections.
Funding
Would you support a dedicated commitment of a certain percentage of the DC Budget for literacy, libraries, and cultural programming?  If yes, approximately what percentage and why?	To be fiscally responsible, I think it is important not to dedicate precise amounts or percentages to most programs even very important ones like this. These programs do, however, have my full support.	I support dedicating at least a certain percentage of the DC budget to libraries to keep the library budget from falling below that mark.  Eleven years ago, the Friends of the Library sought allocation of 1% of the DC budget to libraries.  It did not happen.  That year the book budget was cut, staff furloughed, and hours reduced.  Until recently, the library budget remained flat, well below 1%.  I would start with bringing the DCPL budget up to 1% of the DC budget, but realize that that figure may be too low to include all that is needed to have a well-functioning library system and also provide literacy services and cultural programming.	I strongly believe a greater percentage of the DC budget should be spent on DC Public Libraries. As my former boss, Councilmember Jim Graham, has said on countless occasions, our public libraries have long been the neglected stepchild of the District government. It's time we remedy this.  Currently, with less than one percent of our city budget spent on our public libraries, the DCPL budget is not only insufficient to adequately fund our libraries, but it's also well below nationwide-norms.  The budget recently passed for FY2007, with 22.3% ($7,694,278) more for the operating budget, is a budget I strongly support.
The DC Public Libraries are facing approximately $480 million in deferred maintenance on facilities.  What portion of these costs should be direct appropriation from the District budget?	This depends on how successful we are in securing funding in other ways, and pursuing alternative funding is very important. The Bush administration recently recommended increasing DC’s library monies by $30 million dollars, and although Congress seems to be balking, this source of revenue may be very significant. There are also grants, donations, sponsors, corporate and non-profit givers who may greatly contribute to our libraries, and we should vigorously pursue every avenue of funding.	I believe the first source of funding should be a direct allocation from the DC budget.  I would be very cautious in selling off library properties or air rights to fund deferred maintenance.	The fact that such tremendous deferred maintenance exists speaks to our government's poor history of funding for our libraries. A large portion of this funding must come from the District government, though certainly some funding should come from the federal government as well. Two critical issues are important to point out with respect to this issue. First, a significant and successful effort to rebuild DC's branch libraries – something I strongly support – will lessen this burden of deferred maintenance.  Finally, there is a critical lesson to learn from this issue: As the District moves forward and considers future funding, we must realize that insufficient funding for maintenance not only leaves our libraries in poor shape, but it ensures a budgetary burden in future years.
The quoted estimate of $480 million does not include the costs to furnish and equip library facilities.  What approaches would you support for the additional funds necessary to appropriately equip library facilities?	I would support all avenues of support mentioned in the previous answer.	I support fundraising for gifts from the private sector and grants from foundations.	I will focus on the Council to lead an effort to rebuild of each of the city's 27 branch libraries. With these rebuilds, we must be sure to construct 21st century libraries, furnished and equipped, that will provide first-class service for decades to come. In terms of acquiring additional resources for our libraries, we must increase the ability of DCPL to partner with the private sector, and in turn, obtain gifts and donations. Councilmember Mendelson's recent legislation to ease the process of receiving donations was a step in the right direction.  Other library systems around the county have shown the ability to seek and acquire partnerships, particularly with the technology sector, that have provided invaluable resources and equipment to the libraries at little or no cost to the jurisdiction. The District should be no different.
Would you support a bond initiative for the express purpose of rebuilding the DC Public Library System’s facilities?	Possibly. The question of a bond issue raises the concern of the level of DC’s current indebtedness which is high. I would want to consider all avenues before committing to any one.	I would consider a variety of means to finance rebuilding library facilities, including a bond initiative.  Seattle successfully used a bond initiative to rebuild and renovate its public libraries.	As a staffer to Councilmember Jim Graham, I helped lead a nearly-successful effort to secure a $45 million bond to rebuild branch libraries in the District. As Councilmember, I would fight for similar legislation to ensure the District has the adequate funding to rebuild DC's branch libraries.
Under what circumstances would you support the redevelopment of library properties by private developers?  How would you address the concerns of many residents who feel that their current stand-alone branches would be lost or overwhelmed by such redevelopment?	I would not reflexively oppose such redevelopment, but would have to know the details. Public/ private partnerships have worked and are working, but design, aesthetics, functionality, and scale are all considerations.	I believe the library should be the first and foremost structure on its site.  It should not be diminished in size or prominence through a public-private partnership.  Any redevelopment should allow future expansion and changes to the library.  In other cities, public-private partnerships have worked when there was no existing library on the site.  The partnership allowed a new library to be built.  This is not the case in the District, where we seek to rebuild existing libraries.	We must look at each branch library situation independently.  There will be cases where mixed-use development or public-private partnerships make sense, and there will be cases where it does not.  We must not look at this project in a vacuum, while recognizing that there may be an opportunity to obtain a first-class facility for little or no cost to the public.  In order to ensure that our branch libraries are not overrun by the redevelopment, some points should be off-limits. For instance, the ground-floor of each branch library must be reserved for library use and library use alone. There must be a worthwhile discussion as we begin to look at each branch library and the possibilities for each reconstruction. Not only can we leverage city assets to bring new and critical revenue to the library system, but some mixed-use development will surely benefit and enhance the library experience.  I'm confident we can transform our public libraries into vibrant educational, cultural, and social centers that meet the needs and wants of 21st century library patrons.
Roles and Partnerships
How should the DC Public Libraries coordinate their support for the community with other District Agencies?	There are some forms of co-ordination that make perfect sense, like co-ordination with DCPS. Interagency task forces should be set up to consider all co-operative arrangements.	The public libraries have traditionally had a close relationship to the schools, allowing classes to borrow books and visit the library.  The libraries also serve as a means to disseminate government forms and information on government programs.  Not only do the libraries provide voter registration and tax forms, many of them engage volunteers to help people fill out the forms.  Meeting rooms can be used by other district agencies for meetings or classes.  As we have found at the Tenley Branch, the library can also serve as a venue for the arts.	Please refer to Number 6.
Many DC Public Schools have either eliminated their libraries or the professional staff responsible for library services.  How should  the DC Public Libraries coordinate their support for the community with the DC Public Schools?	There are many points of joint effort worth pursuing, from working and planning homework help programs to sharing library staff and using library facilities for school purposes. In some case the collaboration virtually cries out by virtue of the physical proximity, such as the Janney School and the Tenley-Friendship Library.	It is regrettable that DC Public Schools are cutting back on school libraries and librarians.  In communities where this is happening, the library should step up outreach efforts to the schools.  Teachers and classes should be invited to the library for stories, programming, and instruction on how to use the computers and how to use the online homework help center.  Classes should be encouraged to check out books as they leave.  Librarians should find out what topics classes will be covering, so that they may have materials available for students when needed.	There are two critical issues: 1) the fact that many DC Public Schools are without libraries or librarians is a sad commentary on the state of DCPS.  This is an issue that I will work to address immediately once on the Council; and 2) as mentioned previously, stronger cross-agency collaboration is a necessity across the District government – and DCPS and DCPL are no exception.  In Ward 3, with schools and libraries often within walking distance of each other, the prospects and possibilities of meaningful coordination are particularly strong because of simple geography. From programming to give students help with homework to giving students a place to conduct research projects, these opportunities can, and must, be pursued.
It is estimated that nearly 37% of adult residents of the District of Columbia are functionally illiterate.  What approach would you support for reaching this population to address their ability to read, write, and contribute better to our community?	The Library System should have special programs available to help the functionally illitertate , programs that are easily accessible and that can be taken advantage of without stigma.  There should also be complementary programs to assist people in job searches and preparation for tests or other employment efforts.	DCPL has 13 collections with Adult Basic Education materials and 4 collections in English as a Second Language.  Computer labs are available at the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library and the Southwest Branch Library for computer-assisted literacy programs.  These programs could be expanded to other branches, as needed.  Although DCPL offers classes to train teachers and tutors, it does not appear to provide a literacy program on a regular basis, as other library systems do.  I would support an active literacy program in the public library.	Improving and expanding branch library programs, including adult literacy classes, will be at the forefront of my agenda.  I will push to make sure that our branch libraries host adult literacy classes, have literacy specialists on staff, and have computers and software focused on literacy education.
What role do you see for the DC Public Library in preparing the District residents for emergency situations, such as a terrorist attack?	The Library System should have comprehensive information available to residents and occasional programs on preparedness. In addition libraries should be designated as one of a number of venues for persons to shelter in place when evacuation is not feasible.	The libraries can disseminate information to the public on what to do in an emergency, both through print materials available at the library and online.  If the Public Library sets up a "virtual branch", this online system can be used to notify the public of an emergency.	As one of the primary educational hubs of a community, public libraries can, and must, play a key role in the dissemination of our emergency preparedness plans.  I would advocate that emergency preparedness information is accessible at every library branch and would work with DC EMA and Serve DC to hold emergency preparedness trainings, such as Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) trainings, at the branch libraries.
What role do you see for the DC Public Library in preparing residents for jobs in an information society?	One serious deficiency in current library facilities is inadequate technology, a matter that needs addressing for everyone including those looking for employment. Beyond that, there should be collaboration with the Department of Employment Services, UDC, and the business community to determine how best to prepare residents for employment. Then the libraries can see how they could best fit into an overall plan.	With its computers, the Public Library can provide training not only in how to use computers, but also on how to use them to retrieve and evaluate information.  Computers can link patrons to job banks and show them how to write a resume.  The library also could provide a location for employers to interview applicants.	Workforce-preparedness is one of the most critical issues currently facing the city, and there is certainly a role for DCPL to address this problem.  In new and improved branch libraries, programming focused on job readiness must exist.  Such an initiative would include the ability to give basic job readiness training, allow for online job searches, and include basic programming for tasks such as resume writing.
What role do you see for the DC Public Library in working with the homeless population in the District of Columbia?	The libraries can play an important role of outreach, particularly for children. At the libraries themselves, there should be a list of resources available to assist the homeless, and homeless children, together with other children, should have the full range of programs available, including homework help.	To its credit, the DC Public Library has always been open to everyone in the community.  This includes the homeless.  Because the homeless do use the library, DCPL can work with other agencies to get them the services they need.  Outreach by library staff to homeless families could help them find needed resources.	I am a strong supporter of countless initiatives to address the city’s pressing need to work on the issue of homelessness. At this point, however, I do not know of any initiative within DCPL that would help with this issue – though I am open to listen and learn about any such potential initiative or partnership.