By james art GLENDALE, Ariz. — Glendale residents are pushing back against talk of tearing down a beloved downtown library.
The Velma Teague Library has stood in Glendale’s Murphy Park for more than 50 years. In fact, residents say there has been a library here since 1917.
But the city’s new plans could eradicate that for good.
“It’s not just Glendale, it’s Gilbert, it’s Phoenix, it’s all where historic buildings are being torn down and torn down to build for the growth we have coming to the state,” said Julia Taggart, a concerned citizen.
Glendale City Council members held a workshop Tuesday to hear from staff working on the issue. They said the library needs a complete makeover: HVAC, plumbing, roof replacement and asbestos remediation are on the to-do list.
While renovations and even reconstruction were on the table, residents were most uneasy about possibly moving the library and demolishing the existing building.
It’s something John Legender, Velma Teague’s great-nephew, is fighting against.
“Because my mother is a descendant of Velma, they assured us – we met with the architects – they assured us that this library is not going anywhere. And now all of a sudden she’s going somewhere,” Legendre said.
However, city officials say demolishing the building and moving the library across the street will create more open space in the park and add better amenities to the new library.
“Kids who need access to the best technology, equipment and amenities to just have a chance at a better life,” one city official said during Tuesday’s workshop.
“We were told all sorts of things that never came. We just don’t trust our city government,” said Rory Gorey, a petition organizer who opposes the demolition.
In the end, the city council reached a consensus: move and demolish. They will still have to vote officially.
