Ward 6 Candidates	Will Cobb	Leo Pinson	Tony Williams	Curtis Etherly
Demographics
Do you have a DC Public Library Card, and if yes, for approximately how many years?	No, I do not have a DC Public Library Card.	I have had a library card since around 1988 when I moved to the District.	Yes, I do. I’ve had a DC library card since I was eight, or for about 18 years.	Yes.  I have been a DC Public Library cardholder for approximately 29 years.
What branch do you consider serves as your neighborhood library?	Southeast Neighborhood Library	I use the Norteast branch library at the corner of 7th and D NE	I consider the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library as my local library, although I am still very close to the Takoma Park Library, which was my library as I was growing up.	The Southeast Neighborhood Library.
How has the DC Public Library contributed to your life as a resident of the community?	While I have not used the DC Public Library for its traditional purpose of borrowing reading material, as I have been fortunate enough to have the funds to purchase those books I wish to read, the libraries have served as a meeting place for various community and civic meetings I have attended.  This is an invaluable contribution to my life as a resident of the community because it allows me, as well as my fellow residents, a safe and community oriented space to come together and work to make our neighborhoods better.	Aside from being able to check out books, using reference materials, and perform research, the libraries provide the neighborhoods with a place to meet and share ideas.	My parents have always stressed the importance of self-directed learning and the library provided me with the resources and opportunities to apply the skills I learned in school to the subjects that interested me. In addition, until I left for college I volunteered with the Takoma Park Library and saw how our libraries are not just collections of books, but also community centers.	For me, the DC Public Library is best described as the place where, during one glorious summer at the Benning Branch Library, the world came alive to a rising third-grader at Kimball Elementary School who had a whole summer to explore, investigate and read.
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?	Yes, I believe the library system has the right number of facilities to effectively serve the community but I believe that they are in need of drastic improvements.  Instead of building new facilities, I believe money would be better spent improving the current library facilities.	In ward 6, which I know best, there aren't enough libraries.  I think Ward 6 alone, we could use about 4 more.	No I do not believe that our Library System has the correct number of facilities. While those of us with cars are able to easily get to a library facility to many of our older residents and children are not able to get to a library.	I believe that the number of facilities should be maintained at 27, but those 27 facilities should all be full-service libraries.  That would mean expanding the five portabranch/kiosk facilities.  I support this direction because I believe that the five portabranch/kiosk facilities are not providing adequate service to their home communities.
Do you feel there are communities that are currently underserved by the DC Public Library?  If yes, which ones?	As a Ward 6 resident I believe the Hill East neighborhood in which I live is underserved as our closest library is located at the Eastern Market metro stop.  With development beginning around the new stadium that will create many more housing units, the Near Southeast neighborhood has great potential to be underserved in the future.	The Hill East, Barney Circle, Near Northeast, NOMA, Southwest and Northwest One neighborhoods lack adequate access to a public library.	Yes I do believe that there are areas that are underserved by the DC Public library System. Primary of which are portions of South West.	I believe all of the District’s communities are currently being underserved when deferred maintenance and upkeep, collections and staffing have been neglected and inadequately funded for years.
What approaches would you support for reaching those currently underserved by the DC Public Library System?	I would like to see the return of the bookmobile, especially in the summer months when many children are home with limited entertainment possibilities.  This would allow us to reach more young children who have great potential interest in reading and the library system yet have never been to their neighborhood library.	In the Southwest, for example, a new library could be apart of the development plans for the waterfront, and the revitalization of the Waterfront Mall.  Either location would provide the community with equal access to this public amenity.  Also, excess and unused public buildings could be re-purposed as library space.  For example, if the city isn't going to get around to creating a Senior Wellness Center at the former Hayes School, at 5th and K NE, as it has proposed to do for years, perhaps the property could be a library instead?	We need to expand the Library System. However I understand that takes time, so in the meantime, I would support continued use of the Bookmobile to areas that lack libraries and look at creating shuttles, similar to metro shuttles, to increase access to libraries.	I believe very strongly in a “back-to-basics” mantra where the core framework of the library system must be addressed in a comprehensive and systematic manner: staffing, facilities and collections.
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, I believe that the District needs a major central facility such as the Martin Luther King, Jr., Memorial Library.  We are the nation’s capitol and as such we should be representative of the best that this nation has to offer, especially with regards to literature, reading and state of the art facilities.  Furthermore, a central library provides benefits to the community beyond reading material such as large meeting space that is open for public use by a variety of groups.	In my opinion the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. would be better served by creating a vibrant and inviting library space.  The $30 million provided by the Federal Government is a step toward reaching that goal.  In order to create a great main library experience, it may not be necessary to build completely new structure.  To avoid spending potentially hundreds of millions I would look at expanding and properly configuring the failed City Museum location.  The central location and beauty of this property lends itself to this type of reuse.	Yes. I understand that many District residents have grown frustrated with the perceived failings and shortcomings of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library; however I believe that most of those failings stem from a lack of funding and support. I would support renovating the library so that it becomes the crown jewel it was meant to be.	Yes, I believe that a prominent central library is critical to the District from the standpoint of collection space, as a venue for cultural and arts programming, and as a central office space for library administration and staffing functions.
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?	Yes, I would support a dedicated commitment of funds for literacy, libraries, and cultural programming.  Again, the District as the nation’s capitol should be a beacon to the rest of the country.  At the present our illiteracy rates are appallingly high, our educational system is broken and concentrated funding for literacy, libraries and cultural programming has the potential to assist with these issues.  Such programs are also part of what makes a community, without them we are just a city.  I am unsure of the exact percentage of the DC Budget I would allocate but I would be willing to work with supporters of these programs to ensure they are funded at appropriate levels.	As long as the city stands on strong financial footing I would support dedicated funding for libraries, literacy, and cultural programming.  Increasing adult literacy must be a top priority for this city, and the public school system should have a role in improving literacy.  It is a sad legacy of a failed public education system that so many adults cannot read.  We have to do better.  Cultural programming is food for the soul, and held define great cities over average ones.  The nations capital must exemplify that greatness.  I would support an additional budget allocation of 2-4%.	I would support advanced funding of the DC Library System so that our libraries could plan in advance and that the council could then act to supplement any additional needs that the Library System identified in the coming year.	No, I would not support the setting of a specific percentage of the District’s budget for literacy, libraries, etc.  Those decisions must be made within the specific context of departmental and agency budgets (schools, libraries, DC Commission on the Arts and Humanities and other relevant agencies).
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?	Maintenance of our libraries is essential to creating a useful and inviting public facility that residents will use.  These costs should be born by the District and should be fully appropriated each fiscal year, as maintenance requires a dedicated funding stream.	While I would like to see the federal government absorb at least half of the $480 million needed for maintenance, I'm not optimistic that the current administration will take action.  The city will probably have to eat the majority of the costs over a certain number of years.  The public needs to weigh in on how quickly this expense should be budgeted.  Also, I would appeal to the private sector and foundations for their support.  In the same way that private donors endow universities and hospitals, the wealthy in our area should individually or collectively support our public libraries as a living legacy.	For years DC operated at a financial loss, as our financial picture improves and continues to improve I believe that we must address the past maintenance and care problems affecting our schools, libraries, and public buildings before we begin new projects.	I believe that the District government must commit to funding some portions of the deferred maintenance needs for library facilities.  However, in the current budget climate, a specific budget amount must be determined against the backdrop of other competing budget demands.
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 public/private partnerships to ensure that our libraries are furnished and equipped with the necessary items.  Businesses within the community have a vested interest in our library facilities.  Just as colleges and universities obtain grants and gifts for their libraries, the District should pursue similar avenues.	I would look to the private sector.  For example, the technical industry has been helpful in making computers and other technologies available to schools.  I see a role for them in helping us install the infrastructure and creating the connectivity for the computers and information systems.  As for furnishings, the private sector could donate furnishings as a tax write off, and we could take advantage of the surplus federal governments furnishings that are in good condition.  We should also pursue grants that would cover these costs.	I would support a bond program, an aggressive outreach program to solicit private donations, and I would look at mandating a donation to the local library from developers when they come into a libraries service area.	I would support public-private partnerships, federal grant opportunities, private fundraising and creative municipal finance mechanisms such as bond financing.
Would you support a bond initiative for the express purpose of rebuilding the DC Public Library System’s facilities?	Yes, I would support a bond initiative for the express purpose of rebuilding the DC Public Library System’s facilities but such issues must be weighed in the context of the overall financial outlook of the District.	It is important that the city closely monitor our spending and the issuance of bonds.  Currently our rating is strong and it needs to remain that way.  In that we have several major bond-funded initiatives underway, including the baseball stadium, I would delay another bond issuance so that we don't take on too much debt and jeopardize our credit rating.	Yes	Yes
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 am fundamentally opposed to changing the existing structures of the neighborhood libraries.  I would like to see our existing libraries renovated and then maintained in order to preserve the aritechtural elements that are in accordance with the surrounding neighborhoods.	My support for redeveloping library properties would depend on the amenities to the public.  For example, over the years the R.L. Christian Community Library has been looked at by private developers for redevelopment.  In discussions with the community it was clear that the net loss of the library asset was not offset by wha would take its place.  In order for any development projects to move forward, the community needs to bless it.	I would support the redevelopment of library properties by private developers if they library currently has enough space to operate; if there is an understanding of what should happen if the library needs to expand; and if there is a dedicated entrance for the library. However on principle, I am against the redevelopment of library properties by private developers because property is DC’s biggest asset and when we lose that we lose our ability to raise the money necessary to expand and renew our libraries in the future.	I support creative public-private partnerships aimed at redeveloping our libraries.  Crucial to addressing any concerns will be the utilization of a transparent and thoroughly open public process for the review and implementation of such proposals.
Roles and Partnerships
How should the DC Public Libraries coordinate their support for the community with other District Agencies?	District agencies should be required to keep DC Public Libraries abreast of any changes of policies, procedures and other information so that the libraries can serve as an information repository for District government information.	There should be a liaison(s) for the library system who represent the interests of DCPL and engage the public.  DCPL should also partner with the Office of Neighborhood Services, which already has established ties with most District Agencies.	I believe our libraries must work closely with our schools and recreational centers to provide endless opportunities to learn and recreate in our communities.	I believe that each government agency should be required to plan for and implement a library-outreach strategy whereby all of their critical information dissemination needs take into consideration 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?	While I find it fundamental for every school to have a library on the premises, I am also aware that many District schools have been forced to close their libraries due to funding shortages.  This leaves these students without easy access to books or an understanding of how to use a library.  To combat this, District public libraries should ensure that each DCPS student receives a library card and training on how to use the facilities.	DCPL should provide outreach to schools via the creation of mobile outreach.  Several D.C. agencies use recreational vehicles (RV) to provide outreach and services to the community.  DCPL should pursue grants to acquire an RV, design a hands-on library experience, including a multi media presentation on how to access and use library resources, including the "CityCat" catalog system.	As DC public schools lose their libraries, we must increase the funding for the public libraries which serve those communities. In addition we must ensure that the local library is ordering the books local students need.	There should be some direct collaboration and resource-sharing between these two functions.  I would seek to establish a standing DC Library/DCPS interagency taskforce to ensure improved coordination.
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?	While there is not an easy solution to solving our adult illiteracy problems in the District, there are several public and private groups that are currently tackling this difficult issue.  Those residents that are illiterate need to be made aware of the resources and assistance available to them through groups such as D.C. LEARNs.  While I am unsure of the best way to reach this population I would be happy to work with those currently in the field to find the best solution.	In order to get beyond the embarassment and stigma of adult illiteracy some of the stakeholders DCPL and the city need to utilize are community-based organizations (CBOs) and the faith-based community (FBO).  Through partnerships with CBOs and FBOs, we can identify those in need of literacy education, and we can even make use of their facilities to provide the instruction.	I would encourage the development of job programs that incorporate our Libraries and their facilities to give district residents the skills they need to get a job.	Our libraries can and must play a greater role in reading instruction, skills development and training.  I believe that libraries can play a critical role in providing community-based opportunities for parents to assist in the development of reading skills in their children and families through workshops, training sessions and reading resource centers.
What role do you see for the DC Public Library in preparing the District residents for emergency situations, such as a terrorist attack?	I believe the ANCs in each ward should be taking ownership of preparing their residents for potential terrorist attacks and natural disasters.  With the ANCs taking ownership, the DC Public Library would serve as a repository for related information and ANC issued plans.	Our libraries should always have a ready stream of current information about terrorism and disaster preparedness.  Libraries are tools for improving public awareness.  In addition, some locations could also be used as command stations and possibly shelters in the event of an attack or natural disaster.	As I said earlier, I believe that libraries are not just centers of learning, but community centers. Libraries could host forums to teach the community about proper responses, and to show residents how to get in contact with the proper authorities.	Libraries can play critical roles in the dissemination of important information about emergency response plans, resources, evacuation procedures and other general information about emergency preparedness.
What role do you see for the DC Public Library in preparing residents for jobs in an information society?	I believe that the DC Public Libraries should be a combination of both a traditional library with books and a technological center where residents have access to computers and all of the tools and assets of the modern technological age.	When a library has up-to-date reference materials, and internet access on current computers with the latest software, the public is able to access these resources to research job opportunities and create resumes'.  I also see our libraries hosting training seminars, perhaps utilizing personnel from the Office of the Chief Technology Officer (OCTO), and also seeking volunteers from the private sector.  There are a number of private high tech companies in the region that could participate.	Just as we must teach some DC residents to read, we must teach others to use computers and the internet. Furthermore, many children simply cannot afford to have a computer at their home, so libraries must be there to provide our children with these important tools.	The District’s libraries must be at the forefront in introducing technology to our residents community by community.  Technological literacy can be addressed via our library facilities by providing access to the use of computers and other-related media for every resident.
What role do you see for the DC Public Library in working with the homeless population in the District of Columbia?	I do not see the DC Public Libraries as having a role in serving the homeless population in the District of Columbia.	Because libraries are open to the public, library personnel encounter a large segment of the homeless population.  It would be useful if organizations like the Coalition for the Homeless has a strong partnership with DCPL so that they cab provide expertise necessary to address the needs of the homeless.  DCPL staff would also benefit from the training that the Coalition and other community-based organizations could provide to better understand and assist the homeless.	I think that our libraries must play a role in directing homeless citizens to the proper authorities and organizations so that they made be cared for. However I also believe that it is not proper for our librarians to spend their day policing the activates of our homeless, as such I would work the police department to preserve in our libraries an atmosphere of learning.	District libraries can be important resources for directed programming and aid-provision but should not be viewed as shelter space.  Critical needs such as shelter space and other related service provision can and must be addressed through specifically-targeted programs via other agencies.