Inaccessibility:

• Though there is a wheelchair ramp, many portions of the library are not accessible to those using a wheelchair or walker, including the whole second floor, the public restroom, as well as the fiction, non-fiction, DVD, audiobook, and local history collections.

Lack of adequate collection space:

• For every item that is purchased for the Carnegie Library, one must be removed.
• Though library staff take pride in purchasing a diverse collection of materials to suit the many interests and needs of the community, we are regularly forced to get rid of items that are only a few years old to make room for new items.
• A lack of space also means that we do not have space for collections that the community has expressed much interest in, including indigenous history, graphic novels, and manga.

Lack of quiet or comfortable study space:

• With room for only two armchairs in Carnegie’s reading room, there’s little space for patrons to sit and read or work.
• The reading room must also fit the libraries’ public computers, fax/copy machine, non-fiction collections, magazines, and newspapers in a space under 300sq/ft.
• It is difficult, if not impossible, to navigate that space in a walker or wheelchair.
• The space is so cramped that it is physically difficult and/or uncomfortable for library staff to assist patrons with computer questions.

Lack of staff space:

• There is no staff room. Library staff eat their lunches in their cars.
• There is also not enough staff space on the first floor, so books and other materials must be carried either up or down a flight of stairs to be processed for circulation.
• There also isn’t enough space behind the circulation for staff chairs, so circulation staff must stand all day. Our staff work really hard, and they deserve better working conditions.

Inadequate children’s and teen spaces:

• The children’s room is very small. There is no space for adult chairs, which would allow caregivers to read to their children.
• There is no space for children’s computers.
• There is also limited space for children to meet other children to foster play and healthy socialization skills nor is there space for parents to meet other parents and build community.
• The teen collection is very small and located close to the children’s picture books, making for a patently uncool teen hang spot.

Inadequate programming and meeting space:

• Though the second floor of the library does provide some program space, its use is discouraged because it is not accessible.
• There is limited space and inadequate technology to support small meetings or large programs.

Inefficient and non-resilient systems:

• While the quality of the air at the Carnegie was improved by the installation of an ERV some years ago, the building systems are not efficient.
• The building is heated and cooled with costly oil and electric systems that leave parts of the library sweltering and other parts freezing. This makes for a space that is uncomfortable to work or spend time in. Staff downstairs hover over space heaters for the duration of the winter.
• Inefficient systems also use more energy than they should and cost extra taxpayer dollars to run.
• As the library is relied upon more and more heavily to serve as a cooling or warming center during periods of extreme weather, the ability of the building to respond to these weather extremes becomes more important.