Money approved for expansion of Molokai Library

Moloka'i Island Times
July 28, 2006

By Brennan Purtzer

"There is not enough room to take care of the increase in size and variety of collections or room to meet the growing use of the library's patrons," Marie Yamashita wrote in a letter last year.

Today, Yamashita's wishes have been answered, along with thousands other library users.

Last week, Governor Linda Lingle released $125,000 to begin planning for new public libraries on Kaua'i and O'ahu and an expanded library on Moloka'i.

An allotment of $42,000 will assist the HSPLS in planning the expansion of the existing Moloka'i Public Library, which is undersized for the community it serves.

The planning studies are scheduled to begin in August and are expected to be completed by February 2007.

"These three new or expanded public libraries will provide the Koloa, Nanakuli and Moloka'i communities with additional resources where children can learn and grow," said Governor Lingle.

Moloka'i Librarian Sri TenCate said she was "pleasantly surprised" by the allotment. TenCate was grateful to Senator J. Kalani English, who introduced the bill, and also State Legislator Mele Carroll who did research on it.

TenCate wanted to thank the Governor's advisory council, who had heard the library's request last year, and been very supportive of her efforts.

"The friends of the library helped with the emails," TenCate said. "We've been working since last September on expanding the library."

The expansion will accomodate room for performances, and create reading areas and shelf space for computers in the building, which was constructed in the 1937.

Original article URL: http://www.molokaitimes.com/articles/6728164333.asp

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