The Michigan City Public Library has stirred up some controversy among residents after announcing a $1.6 million dollar renovation plan set to begin within the next few weeks.
Residents in the Michigan City area took to Facebook to express their opinions on the plan as well as other opinions.
Those opinions quickly began a city-wide argument which some are acting in jest while others are genuine in wanting some change.
Although the library has been in its location for roughly 40 years, a large number of residents claim the library should use the funds to relocate from the area to allow a “straight shot” passage to Washington Park and the beach via Franklin Square as it once was before the building was built.
Even weeks after the announcement was made, residents are still voicing their opinions every day throughout various Facebook groups.
The excessive amount of attention has even prompted some users to create a group called “The Michigan City Public Library is Never Moving“, which quickly received almost 150 members within the first day.
Another group of residents claims the library should be closed altogether and claim that libraries are antiquated and serve no purpose in today’s technological era.
On the other side of those wanting the library relocated or closed are the residents that say there is no issue with its location and that the library offers many needed services to the community.
One Facebook user stated that during a time where she was unable to afford cable and internet, the library helped her with their large selection of movies and television shows on DVD available to check out.
Aside from books and DVDs, the library offers many services to its residents such as computers with internet access, assistance in applying for jobs, free language classes, history classes, and many other events for adults and children.
The renovation plan is scheduled to begin mid-February in three stages and is expected to be completed after 2020.
