Ward 5 Candidates	Vera Winfield	Harry "Tommy" Thomas Jr.
Demographics
Do you have a DC Public Library Card, and if yes, for approximately how many years?		Yes as a life-long resident of the District I have had a card since my youth, I have early memories of my library card and visits to the library to check out books.
What branch do you consider serves as your neighborhood library?	I have a public library card and theWoodridge and Lamont/Riggs Library Systems are the nearest locations to my residence.  The Woodridge Library would serve as my immediate neighborhood library.  However, I am not satisfied with the access of computers nor resources in either library.	From my early years I visited the Woodridge Library in the neighborhood where I grew up.  I also visited the Carnegie Library and Petworth Library as a child.  As a young adult I would also visit the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library and Lamond-Riggs Library.  Today, I live even closer to the Woodridge Neighborhood Library.  I visit for community meetings.  It is here that my children are following in my footsteps by visiting the children’s room for books and homework assignments.
How has the DC Public Library contributed to your life as a resident of the community?	The DC Library System was a wonderful place 20 years ago.  I enjoyed the quiet environment to read, write and explore new areas of literature as a child and young adult.  Today, bookstores with coffee shops and reading areas are more appealing and offer longer hours, open 7 days a week, amenities and purchases.  If I would suggest a new directive it would be to integrate community library systems into a housing/retail environment or transit locations near subway developments.	The library system has supported me through all of my educational endeavors and continues to do so as a resident I take my children to the public library and have work as a citizen to support the public library’s
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?	There are 27 library branches in the District of Columbia and it is disproportionate to the square mile radius of the City.  The District of Columbia is 67 square miles in radius, with the current number of libraries this means that there are 2.5 libraries per square miles.  This is not utilizing the potential service from any one library.  In considering the demographic and density of the wards in the city the library system would best serve the community with 15 libraries and one central library.  To increase the potential for acquiring proper maintenance and/or renovation to function as a expository of reading materials and research.	The right number of library facilities should be based on demand, funding, staffing and collection development.  The library system currently has one central library facility, sixteen neighborhood libraries with four closed for reconstruction, four community libraries and one kiosk. Accordingly, the formula for the right number of library facilities would need to be established beginning with where the library system exist today.  It is currently a desperate situation that has occurred with four neighborhood libraries closed for reconstruction and no library service to these communities and residents.  I support the District putting forth every effort to get these library facilities rebuilt and open for service with transitional library facilities available to residents during the construction.  At the very least, we need all of the libraries that are currently in place.  There needs to also be an assessment of the maintenance and functionality of all library facilities and how they serve our communities.  Our neighborhoods need more computers, stronger book collections and resources, and improved community outreach. Before the District constructs any additional library facilities, I would take an assessment of expanding the services and facilities of the community libraries and the one kiosk that currently exist.  The neighborhoods they serve are as much a part of the District’s revitalization and have new housing and residents that could be better served.
Do you feel there are communities that are currently underserved by the DC Public Library?  If yes, which ones?	There are communities underserved in the District of Columbia: Wards 8, 7, 1, 2, 5, & 6.    The education on the importance of reading is best taught at home.  There is a parental responsibility to making reading a core value and providing steps to enlightenment, self-sufficiency and independence.  Adults and children must pursue knowledge and information as a goal and key to success.  The library should house this access and provide the environment to excel.	I’ve already stated my support for expanded service in the neighborhoods that have the community libraries: Langston, R.L. Christian, Parklands-Turner and Sursum Corda, and the Deanwood Kiosk.  These libraries serve communities in Wards 5, 6, 7 and 8 with the greatest literacy needs.  The neighborhood libraries in these wards must also be included in expanded services.  Together the libraries in these communities must work to address the needs of these ward and community needs.
What approaches would you support for reaching those currently underserved by the DC Public Library System?		I support mobile outreach services to day care homes, the book mobile, and the new Xtreme Mobile.  Current programs for teen and children’s summer reading also have my support.  I would like to see greater outreach to new English speaking populations both children, adults and seniors.  Most important to me is greater outreach to young males to help them connect with books and the other services of our libraries at the neighborhood level throughout the year.
Does the District need a major central facility such as it now has with the Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial Library?  If yes, why?	The District needs a major central facility to house the books of great value and limited in quantity.  One central location such as The Martin Luther King, Jr. Library is an accomplishment.  The Martin Luther King, Jr. Library is a landmark and should be historically designated.  However, it has become a shelter, daycare center amongst other things and is not maintained at the level of efficiency that deems outstanding service to the public.  The architectural design is unfinished and the library never reached its full potential. The resource of the Library System should be finite with its purpose and structure which would control its costly acquisitions.	Yes.  There most certainly must be a major central library facility.  The concept of a central library is one that provides strength to our library system in terms of collection development and building community.  Our central library serves as a focal point and increase opportunities for learning and culture for the city as a whole.
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?	I would support a dedicated commitment of a certain percentage of the DC Budget for the revitalization of our Library System.  The City has neglected the infrastructures, HVAC, roof, plumbing & lighting all of which are costly acquisitions.  Due to the age of most buildings it may be more cost-effective to rebuild rather than repair.  In consideration of the allocation of Social Services in the District it would be practical to allocate no more than 10 or 15% of the DC Budget.	Yes.  I would support a dedicated commitment of a percentage of the D.C. Budget for literacy and libraries.  At this time, a formula for determining a percentage of the DC Budget is difficult to determine because our libraries face so many challenges to address many needed improvements.  Once these improvements have been resolved, I would work to establish a percentage based formula to maintain the level of service, keep up with repairs and maintenance, and most importantly provide staff, programs, services, books and materials.
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?	I would question the deferred maintenance of $480 million for maintenance on facilities.  The focus should be on the adequate number of public libraries and new development versus existing buildings.	The D.C. Public Library must move forward in establishing reconstruction and renovation plans for its facilities in order to qualify under the capital construction budget.  The current level of deferred maintenance cost for the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library and other branch libraries having reached high levels that are no longer appropriately covered under the District’s appropriated budget.  The library administration must determine what maintenance projects can be completed versus projects that should be address through more extensive renovations and reconstruction.
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?	We should approach the need for additional funds necessary to appropriately equip library facilities from fundraisers for the people by the people from large and small businesses.  The appropriations from the City Budget, exploration and utilization of federal dollars, solicitation of major multi-national information technology companies and developers are some approaches to gain access to funds necessary to equip library facilities.	In addition to the D.C. Public Library’s operating budget covering the cost to furnish and equipped our library facilities, I would want to see a capital fundraising campaign also initiated.  Private donations can help the library address the short comes in funding, i.e., online donations, endowments to furnish specific rooms, and other fund raising initiatives.
Would you support a bond initiative for the express purpose of rebuilding the DC Public Library System’s facilities?	I would support a bond initiative for the express purpose of rebuilding the DC Public Library System facilities.	I do support a bond initiative to rebuild the D.C. Public Library.
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 support redevelopment of library properties by private developers if the libraries maintain their own footprint within the development that is visible, inviting and accessible to the public.  The developer must meet the design and construction needs for a library facility as established by the District.  Community input would be very important throughout the process.
Roles and Partnerships
How should the DC Public Libraries coordinate their support for the community with other District Agencies?	The coordination of DC Public Library Systems should be achieved with the President of the Library Board, Director of the Public Library System and Superintendant of Schools  to establish a solid foundation of Library facilities in each school.  The Library System is an auxiliary function.	The DC Public Libraries should expand their interaction with other District agencies.  As a District agency, our libraries can collaborate on programs and services that are central to our communities in terms of literacy, education and culture.  They also preserve and foster the democratic process for our citizens.  Libraries are also a great contributor to community information to help our citizen learn about their neighborhoods and the District.  Other District agencies must also have outreach to libraries.
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?		D.C. Public Schools and the D.C. Public Library can share information between teachers and librarians to help students.  This can be achieved through formal and informal means.  Throughout the year there should be opportunities for workshops and formal meetings to address common goals.  It would be helpful to share reading lists, develop resources and training to help students on research projects and share resources to help support the school curriculum.  These are crucial skills that will help the District’s students prepare for higher education.
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 issue of illiteracy is not the fundamental responsibility of the Library System.  This is the primary responsibility of parents, schools, human services, and the University of the District of Columbia all of whom should be held responsible for these functions.	The challenge of adult illiteracy is one that we all must address.  Our elected officials, libraries, schools, businesses and churches can all help to support adults in our community that have encounter difficulty in reading and obtaining and completing needed educational skills.  Illiteracy can be identified in so many of the problems that face our city:  homelessness, crime, access to health care, inadequate employment options and unemployment.  Helping adults to overcome these conditions through educational programs that address illiteracy requires dedicated funding, committed staff and volunteers, and centers for study in our communities.
What role do you see for the DC Public Library in preparing the District residents for emergency situations, such as a terrorist attack?	Emergency preparedness should be the primary function of the Emergency Management Agency.  The Library System should focus on building, restoring and serving the public and provide shelter in the event of a major attack as a last resort.	The impact of a disaster can affect us all, at anytime and in any District facility.  First, D.C. Libraries must be equipped with an emergency preparedness plan and provisions that enable staff and customers to survive in the event of a disaster.  Secondly, libraries can serve as meeting places for community discussion of an overall community plan.  All libraries should also have books and materials available on emergency preparedness for the public to use.
What role do you see for the DC Public Library in preparing residents for jobs in an information society?	The Library System should provide periodicals, computer terminals with internet access for those who are seeking employment.  The Library should be a information bank for residents on matters of taxes, employment, health, services in the District and the like.  There is no substantive connection for the relation of the Library System and homelessness.  The core values must be met first before additional responsibilities may be undertaken.  For example, sound proofing, ventilation, resources, open 7 days a week and providing classical and standard educational requirements are the essential elements required for the function of our Public Library System.	Having the computer resources for public use helps our residents maintain their skills.  In some District libraries there are free training classes that help residents learn how to use the computer software and must continue.
What role do you see for the DC Public Library in working with the homeless population in the District of Columbia?		Just this week the Metropolitan Council of Governments has released a report that homelessness in this region has increase to 6.4 percent.  District libraries have become an important support for this population, providing access to computers and information.  Homeless people should be treated with the respect of other customers who use the library, but also observe the library’s code of conduct.  There should be greater outreach to homeless people who come to the library and involve them in literacy, employment and housing programs in the District.