New Library Branch Is An Example To Follow
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ANN ARBOR NEWS
FOUNDED IN 1835
Laurel R. Champion Ed Petykiewicz Mary Morgan
Publisher Editor Opinion Editor
New library branch is an example to follow
Creativity, resourcefulness noteworthy
Up from the ashes - or in this case, the ash trees - rises the new branch of the Ann Arbor District Library.
Library officials say they’re committed to using sustainable practices as much as their $10 million budget will allow, and we’ve been seeing concrete (or rather, hardwood) evidence of that goal.
The building will include flooring and walls made of ash trees from the 4.34 acre site, trees that have been killed by the invasive emerald ash borer. The trees were hauled off earlier this month by a team of draft horses, a process designed to be less destructive than the typical bulldoze-everything-in-sight approach to development. The library got a $30,000 grant from the Southeast Michigan Resource Conservation and Development Council to cover the cost of the cutting and hauling.
When the branch at the southwest corner of Traverwood Drive at Huron Parkway opens next year, visitors willbe able to view a support beam made from one of the trees. With the bark stripped away, we can see the damage caused by the ash borer - a way to learn about the environment and our state’s history.
The site will also have a garden watered by runoff from the library’s roof, and many of the land’s natural features will be preserved.
The library has a reputation for creativity - we also like the look of its MySpace “branch” at www.myspace. com/annarbordistrictlibrary. The physical branch on the city’s north side is another example of that non-traditional approach.
Supported by our tax dollars, the Ann Arbor library system is well-positioned to show leadership on issues like sustainability, environmental stewardship and fiscal responsibility, among other things. Leading by example is a great way to nurture the values of our community.
ROBERT CHASE,THE ANN ARBOR NEWS
Craig Novotney helps John Yarema move a felled ash tree earlier this month on the site of the Ann Arbor District Library's new northeast branch. Trees were removed using a team of draft horses, a technique intended to be less damaging to the land.