The Bayard Taylor Memorial Library board should have heeded this wisdom before deciding to change the library's name to the Kennett Public Library.
In 2000 I was on the library board, and we decided that the library would be better able to serve the public if we built a new library "outside of town." We bought the property and announced the move, confident that everyone would agree with us that this was a great idea and we'd have no trouble raising the money. A bigger library! Easy parking!
We were wrong. Boy howdy, were we wrong.
We were naïve and completely underestimated the public's attachment to the idea of an old-fashioned, in-town library that people could walk to. A firestorm of criticism came our way, completely derailing plans for the new library.
Alas, the 2015 library board has done exactly the same thing. They hung a banner across State Street and trumpeted the new name and logo (a blue blob with a K in it), claiming with great enthusiasm that it reflects a modern and accessible library that is moving forward. A nifty 3D printer! Cool teen programs!
I could have predicted the result. People are calling the library board misguided, arrogant, secretive and short-sighted, the same phrases we heard over and over again back in 2000. They're accusing the library of jettisoning its heritage, wasting money and not listening to the public. An online petition to keep the name is being circulated.
To be sure, some people like the name change, others don't care, and still others say "that's what I call the library anyway!" And I'm also sure that the members of the library board are genuinely good, community-minded people, operating from the very best of intentions.
But a controversy of this sort is a very bad way to make friends and launch a multimillion-dollar capital campaign.
I speak from hard-earned experience.
I agree with you 100%. I have had personal dealings with a few of the board members - and all the adjectives used in your blog apply. (misguided, secretive, arrogant, short-sighted). Here we go again. "Let us tell you want you want."
ReplyDeleteVery Well Said !!!! I can Understand Wanting a bigger Library More Parking !!!! But Seriously Changing the Name ??????? Come on that is a Slap in the Face to People Who Grew up in and Around Kennett Square !!!! Sad Sad Day !!!!!
ReplyDeleteI do not know the history of Mr. Bayard Taylor, but I understand design and the new logo looks like a cartoon bubble for a new pharmacy or retail store.
ReplyDeleteWe have lived in this area for 30+ years, and still think Kennett Library is a much better name. However, totally agree that the logo is terrible!
ReplyDeleteReminds me of the Episcopal Church, which decided in the 70s it had to change everything except the Holy Trinity. Prayer Book: out. Hymnal: out. Morning Prayer: out-ish. Result: Exponentially fewer Episcopalians. Good job! There is an industry of consultants who make a good living going around selling changes to cultural institutions, from new logos to new liturgies. Did a team of consultants by any chance propose this change, with its embarassing new logo, to the Board?
ReplyDeleteAs someone who works at the library, please know this was not solely a board decision. The staff worked for many hours on creating the logo (it was designed by a fellow employee), new colors and the name. When there was disagreement among us, we went with the majority. There were a total of two board members present, who helped facilitate the process. Our decisions on the name change and logo were then brought to the board for final approval. As someone employed by the library, I feel that the change reflects the progressive place we are striving towards. At this time, our library is short on space, not accessible to the handicapped, and incredibly outdated. Sometimes it takes a little while to adjust to change. I hope in the end people will embrace it.
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