2/20/2009

Chattanooga TN - The Library Task Force appointed by Mayor Ron Littlefield has released its final report which caps a year of work and study regarding the future of the Chattanooga-Hamilton County library system.

Jim Kennedy, Task Force Chairman, presented the report to the Mayor stating, “The Task Force accepted a challenge from Mayor Littlefield to explore the current state and future changes to our library system. Mayor Littlefield knew, as did we, that our library was in need of focused attention and improvement.  The work of the Task Force was to find what type of library system our community wanted and needed and how best to accomplish that.” 

The Task Force spent the first several months in visiting the downtown and branch libraries, studying and understanding the library financials and management structure, and visiting other community libraries.  Last summer, the Task Force hired June Garcia and Susan Kent as consultants to the Task Force.  “What the consultants brought to the table, according to Mr. Kennedy, “was a combined 50 years of experience in the library profession.  That experience helped guide the Task Force by providing the knowledge of library best practices and specifics in creating a blueprint for the future.”

Mayor Littlefield, in accepting the report said, “This report provides an unflinching analysis of our library system.  It is bold in its frank assessment but also very exciting in its challenge for change. I am grateful to the consultants and the Task Force for their dedication to this project.  I am also grateful to the community for the input provided and which is well represented in the recommendations for the future of this most important institution.”

The full report is available for viewing by clicking here.

Library Task Force Members: