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SNOWFLAKE — With the closure of Ed’s Market last year, an idea was brought to the Snowflake Town Council on Jan. 8, proposing that the town consider moving the library to the market area giving Snowflake’s Main Street a boost, while creating a library that is easily accessed by all.
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Bringing the idea to the council were Gary and Sarah Brimhall, residents of Snowflake. As Gary noted in his presentation, “When people drive through town, you want things to reach out and grab them. Pioneer Park is a grabbing point. Another ‘reach out and grab you’ is the lights down Main Street.”
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Sarah shared the more homey side of the library concept, “In the past, some people have thought that libraries are dying and yet studies have shown that people still want to have books in print whether children or seniors.
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“Libraries are natural partners in economic development,” Sarah continued. “They are designed to foster growth and development. By having it on Main Street, the library can solidify and help pull everything together, including the businesses, the Chamber of Commerce and even the historical aspect of the pioneer homes.”
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Gary went on to say, “I’ve heard people say that we should put a roller skating rink or an ice skating rink in the building that used to be Ed’s Market. But I think having a library on Main Street is more user-friendly.”
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As to how to pay for the library, Gary proposed a sales tax not only for the library but also for the swimming pool. “I don’t think the businesses would be against a small tax for these items. If the citizens aren’t willing to invest in their home town, then it will die.”
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Gary also noted that the Academy Building could still be used to benefit the community in other areas, such as a museum or a place for social gatherings.
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Vice Mayor Kerry Ballard said his concern was that there is a need for retail on Main Street. To which Gary replied, “Our goal is not to convince you to move the library, our goal is to convince you to look into it and see if it is a fit for Snowflake.”
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Library Director Cathie McDowell addressed the council after the Brimhalls, saying “I appreciate the Brimhalls and that they want to see a vital active library. But I wouldn’t want to see the Academy Building go to someone else. I want a viable library also, but I have very strong feelings about the Academy because it is a valuable resource in our community.”
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Mayor Lynn Johnson said after the presentations, “I agree 100 percent that the library is a vital part of the community; so many books and so little time.”
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To the Brimhalls and McDowell, Johnson said, “I appreciate the fact that you were here to present. This will give us as a council enough to think about. I agree that we need to think outside of the box.”
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