Talk:Newton Free Library

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Congratulations to whoever wrote and submitted this page! Good idea.

I'd like to offer a comment and a suggestion:

In the "Architectural Features" section, under "Quick Facts," I found it confusing, initially, when my eye was drawn to the link for "Victorian Gothic" architecture. It took about 3 re-reads before I realized that no-one was trying to describe the current library's style as Victorian Gothic! I'm not sure how the confusion could be minimized -- maybe by changing the formatting of "Original building" to make it more prominent? The problem was that my eye skipped right over that line and went directly from "Architectural Features" to the link.

The suggestion/request is that someone add information about the fate of the original building. I believe it was torn down, but I'm actually not sure. And a photo of it, if one is available, would be a nice addition as well.

Thanks for your work!

Aortasprondle 17:49, 26 February 2007 (UTC)

I agree with Aortasprondle re architecture and the suggestion of "old" vs "new" bldgs. Also I think something needs to be added re governance. Is the Board of Library Trustees the ultimate authority in terms of the library or is the Library simply another department of the City of Newton? To whom is the Library Director ultimately responsible? Or, should a conflict exist between City policy and procedure and the Library, which authority prevails? In other words, is the Newton Free Library quasi-independent of the Mayor's office, or is it like any other city of Newton Department?

Thanks for the feedback! I changed the order of the original building and current building in hope to clarify the "Architectural Features." We are slowly working on this page as a collabortative effort by staff and we are looking to post more pictures, references and current facts about the library. Keep posted and the clarification on the governance and what happened to the orginal building will come soon! Thanks again! --Franklin4 03:13, 18 March 2007 (UTC)

Please note that the governance of the library has been added at the end of the history area. In regards to the details of governance the library's ultimate authority is its board but they are appointed by the mayor for five year staggered terms. Section 16-3 of the City of Newton Ordinances state: The superintendent [the director] under the direction and control of the board of trustees of the Newton Free Library shall have charge of the library. --Franklin4 01:56, 16 July 2007 (UTC)

[edit] Closing of Branch Libraries

The text seems to indicate that all branches except for four were closed in 1991. The West Newton Branch was closed long before that. clariosophic 02:46, 20 August 2007 (UTC)