As a Durango Public Library Advisory Board member since 2006, and chairman from 2008 until January, probably the most frequent complaint I heard after the new building opened was about the “weed patch” behind the library on the river trail.
The board wrestled with what to do about the “weed patch.”
Money was available for landscaping: The residual of the building fund that was established to cover incidental expenses not foreseen or covered by the bond fund.
However, the building fund was also earmarked for technology and furniture.
The challenge for the Advisory Board was to keep the library relevant to this cyber age.
Thus, the board elected to spend some of the building fund money on items like 40 e-readers, early learning computers for the children’s library and digitizing Durango newspapers including The Durango Herald back to the late 1800s.
While the Advisory Board was deciding what to do regarding landscaping with the limited funds we had, along comes the newly formed Durango Botanical Society with a plan to develop a demonstration garden in the “weed patch” behind the library.
After a few revisions, the plan was unanimously and heartily approved by the Advisory Board. Not only did the Durango Botanical Society fulfill its promise, now it is well along on a more aggressive plan for the library grounds as evidenced in the Sept. 30 Durango Herald story, “Library blossoming.”
The Durango Botanical Society has proved a real asset to this community and the Durango Public Library.
I often see people strolling through the demonstration garden or just relaxing in the garden enjoying the ambience and the views.
The new Durango Public Library was designed with input from the residents of Durango and La Plata County to be not just a library but also a community gathering place.
This vision as a gathering place will be enhanced even further as the expanded gardens and amphitheater come to fruition.
This community is indeed indebted to the Durango Botanical Society. Thanks to all who were involved!
Steve Redding
Chair emeritus of the Durango Public Library Board
