Library is a fire hazard
A $300 million bond is currently in the works on Capitol Hill in Salt Lake City. This bond, if passed, could provide for a new Merrill Library at Utah State University.
Under the efforts of Celestial Starr Bybee, Associated Students of USU executive vice president, and Jeremy Wooden, chief of USU lobbying staff, letters have been written and a bill is currently being drafted in the Capitol Facilities and Administrative Services.
The Appropriations Subcommittee will propose a $300 million bond. This bond could have included in it funds for a new Merrill Library, Lyle Hillyard (R, District 25) said.
In a letter written Dec. 21, 2001 to Sen. John L. Valentine (R, District 14), Bybee wrote, “The Merrill Library was built in 1930 [and] we have simply outgrown this library.”
Bybee said, “As college students, we realize libraries are the most important assets to further our knowledge at a university. The Merrill Library is definitely not one of [the positive sides of USU].”
Bybee said she and her staff have been lobbying for a bond because money is tight as there is a recession, but rates for a bond are good.
Hillyard feels different. “Bond spending is deficit spending,” he said.
He said Representatives on Capitol Hill are hesitant to bond for new buildings because once a building is built, there is operation and maintenance cost. It’s a commitment the legislature is reluctant to make. He said although there is a general bond in the works it is most-likely to be used for buildings appropriated last year before the economic downturn. The state needs to finish its old projects before starting new ones.
Brooke Chaston, a junior majoring in interior design, said, “The Merrill Library is ridiculous. It’s going to fall over if they don’t rebuild it. They built it around an existing building. It’s bad design.”
According to a memo sent to students from ASUSU, urging them to write to their representatives about the library, the Merrill Library was originally built in 1930 and renovated in 1960 and 1967. It is below current safety and structural standards.
Bybee said it is an earthquake risk, a fire hazard, contains asbestos and has outdated electrical, heating, water and ventilation systems. The lack of security features, fire prevention and suppression systems is a major concern. The library is at best 1967 standards, as the university moves into the 21st century a new modern research facility is needed.
“Students are the voice of the university. Legislators listen to students. They are honest and express the true needs of the university,” Bybee said.
If the needs of the school are ignored this year, it will probably be eight years until the library issue can be proposed again because of several high-profile construction projects the state has coming in subsequent years. The voices of the student body are needed she said.
Information on specific legislators can be found at www.le.state.ut.us, or comments can be sent to Jeremy Wooden at jcwood@cc.usu.edu.