Comotara Branch Library [CLOSED], A Brief Memorial

Comotara, the first US library branch to be located within a supermarket, has closed for good. I had no idea it was closing at all, and it might've taken me awhile to notice that it no longer appears on the main Wichita libraries website...or notice that whenever I search for some series or another, Comotara no longer comes up in the results. Because Comotara is no more, and that, as they say, is that.

Hmph.

I've already stated I believe wholeheartedly that Wichita needs at least one more larger sized library--something in the Alford range would be ideal. The city manager apparently thinks otherwise and recently proposed cutting two more branches--Evergreen and Linwood--to save money. Monies saved would be redirected to roadwork and the hiring of thirty-two new officers and general staff for the Wichita Police Department. Luckily, the mayor has decided that this isn't going to fly--for now--and has nixed plans to close these branches.

Ghost of a sign now gone.

There seems to be a bit of community-shaming going on as a whole, as it is not the first time I've heard (or read) something to the effect of "Well now you have the Advanced Learning Library which should make up for xyz..." We doth protest too much, you see, and have looked the gift horse in the mouth. Of course, not everyone can zip around town to any branch they choose, and even drive nineteen miles out to Mulvane or fifteen miles to Andover just to get exactly the kind of environment needed to write for hours in peace. Like me. People need local branches, folks. It's that simple. Theoretically dumping adrift patrons on the ALL is shortsighted, tone deaf, and out of touch with the services modern libraries provide to the public. If your idea of a library is scores of people driving up in minivans and popping in to check out Fifty Shades of Gray, have I got news for you. Clearly this is what some people really do think, as embarrassing headlines have so eloquently blared, though the recent asshattery has been thankfully debunked.

Anyway, it was after my sister informed me that Evergreen and Linwood were under threat that my subsequent research unearthed the sad news that Comotara had only just closed. Its last day of service was July 13, 2018, just two weeks prior to this writing. Since I did not learn of Comotara's closing until after the fact, I was left to visit it in the aftermath, earlier today, in fact, camera phone in tow. As this blog has previously made clear, I loved the Comotara branch of the Wichita public library system. I am genuinely sad to see it go.

At first glance, you might think it's still there.

It must be stated unequivocally that the closing is due to the supermarket's desire to use the space for something else. Wichita budgeting had nothing to do with it. Comotara resided in that space rent free for over 30 years, which is an incredible gift to the community on Dillons' part. Since this Dillons location is deep in the middle of a sprawling minimall on all sides, there was no room to add space for their new ClickList service (available at other locations). And anyone who has ever parked in that lot knows what a madhouse it is. Space, quite frankly, was at a premium.

Now, the answer to this business decision has been to redirect patrons to the nearest branches, Angelou and Rockwell, adding that patrons can always go to the ALL (should they wish to trek all the way downtown, of course). This is all well and good, keeping in mind that Angelou has the shortest hours of all the remaining branches (they are closed Sunday and Monday) and Rockwell is already incredibly busy for its size. Not an insurmountable burden, but...

...there was something about having that branch in the grocery store, wasn't there? It was convenient and somehow charming on top of it all? It was a fun and funky little thing to have, something different and good-hearted. You might have just turned out your pockets to get groceries for the week, but the Comotara was there to catch a quick browse and pick up a movie or book to borrow...for free. Like a balm on an economic blister. It sucks to lose it.

Alas.

My opinion that Wichita needs more libraries is now more resolute than ever. The fact that Evergreen and Linwood were even, for a moment, considered possible victims to the budgeting ax has convinced me that even that is not enough. There are currently seven Wichita libraries serving a city of 390,000 people (source): Advanced Learning Library (2018), Alford (2003 - 15 yrs old), Evergreen (2002 - 16 yrs old, but in an ancient building), Angelou (1996 - 22 yrs old),  Linwood (1981 - 37 yrs old), Westlink (1981 - 37 yrs old), and Rockwell (1976 - 42 yrs old). There were eight with Comotara, so we've already lost an eighth of public library locations. If Evergreen and Linwood closed, we would lose another 28.6% of coverage. But say we don't, say we keep everything that we have as of this date: Only one of the seven libraries has everything a modern library should have, anyway. Space for people to spend time and do research? ALL, Alford, and Rockwell. Adequate access to electrical outlets or USB ports: ALL, if we are being brutally honest. Alford has some coverage, but not enough. And I love Rockwell, but sharing one powerstrip with the whole East Wichita community in the middle of a bustling room, not really conducive to study or writing! Even self-checkout isn't available at all of the branches...ALL is the only library where you can get full service at the self-serve kiosk (pay fines, etc.). Wichita area libraries are rigged to do the best they can--and they work damn hard to do the most. But is it enough?

You can still drop off books here, though
I'm not sure how long that will last. 

So, with the loss of Comotara (and even the whisper of a threat to two other neighborhood branches) I have to say it: Invest in your whole system, not just your brand new shiny crown jewel. Get all of your branches up to the same level of service and figure out a way to do even more with the space that you have, including updating electrical, and reorganizing or repurposing space so that everyone benefits. As things stand now, Wichita has one brand new, tricked out, shiny diamond of a library, and six branches in need of updating, some far more desperately than others. It's community investment and enrichment and it is worth it.

After you do all that, dear Wichita, you still need to add another library. A big one, with lots of desks and outlets. XOXO, A Patron.