To the editor:
I am presenting my draft proposal for the Lynnfield Library Cultural Complex, an alternative solution to the construction of a new library building.
OBJECTIVES: Use existing underutilized town facilities as a decentralized campus to achieve all goals. Focus on creating an organization (staff, leadership, and partners) that will:
• Define, design, and implement programs conceived to foster understanding, knowledge, imagination, and creativity for all age levels, focused and mixed.
• Expand community horizons in the worlds of literary arts, visual arts, performing arts, language arts, and technology.
• Coordinate and maximize the use of all Lynnfield assets, physical and human, for the benefit of all.
The proposed LLCC Main Facilities would be as follows:
• The Central Library: Command center for the LLCC with a new website and calendar to ensure two-way constant communication and transparency.
• The South Library (525 Salem St.), including the Senior Center as is and a community center for further programing.
• The Meeting House and 35 South Common St.
• The Merritt Center recast to welcome the community.
• The Golf Course barn updated to be an art center.
The partner facilities would include all the schools for use of their facilities where appropriate. E.g. local libraries, media rooms, amphitheater, art and music rooms. The Lynnfield Community Schools (LCS) would coordinate with the LLCC. I believe this proposal should enter a feasibility study phase to decide on the best path forward. To this end, we should assemble a working team comprising multiple interests and expertise e.g., Library (2), Town (1), Planning and Finance (2), Schools (2), community groups (2), Senior Center (1).
The team will consider the following:
• Are the stated objectives desirable?
• Can they be achieved? How? With what consequences?
• Work breakdown structure and timeline.
• Pro format budget.
• Recommendations.
I have been told this proposal could never be enacted given the town organization. It is made of silos independent from one another, easier to manage but not necessarily efficient. I think It might be worth changing the organization to prepare Lynnfield for a vibrant future even if it means more staff to maximize efficiency and transparency.
What do you think?
Dan Abenaim
