THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
PAGE 3
THURSDAY, APRIL 16, 2015
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It was 105 years ago this Sunday that an electric streetcar began running a loop between Mass Street and KU's campus. It would run for 23 years, offering the city's first public transport to and from campus.
Renovations make library an asset downtown
MADISON SCHULZ
@KansanNews
The newly renovated Lawrence public library stands on the corner of 7th and Vermont streets. The library is located near three local bookstores: The Raven, Signs of Life and The Dusty Bookshelf.
MADISON SCHULZ/KANSAN
When late July of 2014 rolled around, the corner of Seventh and Vermont, home of the Lawrence Public Library, looked very different. The new building that stood on the corner was bigger and more visually appealing to Lawrence citizens and University of Kansas students alike.
Along with the excitement for a new place where locals, students and book-lovers could go, there was hesitation because the expansion took place near three of downtown Lawrence's bookstores, and how that could possibly affect business.
Polli Kenn, a reader's services coordinator for two years at the Lawrence Public Library, said she believes the stores and library live in symbiosis with one another and not in competition.
"We have a really great relationship with the local bookstores, especially The Raven," Kenn said. "We work in close proximity with them. I also think there will always be those people who want to purchase the books, and that is where the actual stores come in."
According to a survey of 319 people in New York City, most people still prefer to own books,rather than checking them out at the library.
"I think bookstores are for the avid readers, and libraries are great for getting people excited about reading," Kenn said.
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Libby Reazin, a sophomore
from Overland Park, says that she will often go to the public library to buy her coffee and study, but when she wants to read a book, she will still go the local store and buy it.
The Raven bookstore owner, Heidi Raak, greatly emphasizes the working relationship it has always had with the public library, although The Raven did see a loss in sales in August, September and October after the renovations to the library
were complete, according to Raak.
"The Raven has always given many monetary, amongst other, contributions to the library, and we also partner with them for [various activities], so we regard the library's refurbished digs in a very positive light," Raak said.
Along with the positive influence that having a good library can have on business downtown, there are other positive benefits to the locals and students.
Not even a block away, Signs of Life, a coffee shop, art gallery and bookstore, is also a destination for
Berkleigh Wright, a University student, said she loved having a new place to study.
great of an atmosphere there was there. It wasn't just a children's place anymore. Also, during the summer it stayed open later than the campus library." Wright said.
book lovers while the Dusty Bookshelf, a used book store, is also close by.
Clay Belcher, owner of Signs of Life, also sees the perk of an impressive library nearby, and realizes the economic potential.
"I think the library is a great addition to downtown. Anything that brings people downtown is a benefit to my business," Belcher said. "Hopefully people see downtown as a destination
The Library is open Monday through Thursday at 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 6 p.m.
for books. In that regard, having three stores in close proximity brings more customers to all of us."
"I was surprised by how
Edited by Emma Seiwert
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