Bus depot near library is positive resource

I was appalled to read that library director Bob Pasicznyuk opposes building the new central library near the new bus depot. There are valid educational, environmental and social reasons for proximity; his reasons smack of elitism. As a teacher, I have taken scores of classes of schoolchildren to the Cedar Rapids Public Library on the city bus, and the closeness and skywalk access were wonderful.

As a resident, I take the city bus whenever possible, primarily to the library, for environmental reasons. A continued policy of paving over large portions of the flood plain and encouraging individuals to drive their private cars is shortsighted.

Additionally, I take issue with the implication that bus riders are somehow an inferior class that should be discouraged from entering the library. Bus riders, whatever their income, education or personal characteristics, have just as much right to and need of the public library as any other citizen. Proximity to public transportation is certainly a plus for those with handicaps as well.

Libraries have rules of conduct that apply to all patrons; surely these rules are adequate to maintain the library as a place of learning for all.

Kathleen J. Hall

Cedar Rapids