Brandon Twp.-A forum is set for 7 p.m., May 5 at the library to discuss problems the library is having with large numbers of children in the facility after school.
Library director JoAnn Gavey has sent letters out to invite approximately 150-200 members of the community to the forum, including township, village, school, police and fire officials; local merchants; church leaders; and representatives from other community organizations. Additionally, she wrote letters inviting parents and children from Brandon Middle School, Brandon Fletcher Intermediate School, and fourth grade students and parents from the elementary school to come to the forum. The letters were sent by the schools last week.
Village Manager Paul Zelenak will lead the forum.
‘We are hoping that the public forum will start a conversation about what to do and how to take care of our children,? Gavey said. ‘The easiest thing to do would be to tell the children to leave the library. The hard thing to do is plan something to take care of them. We don’t want to go the easy route.?
The library, located at 304 South St., has had 150 or more kids in their building on a regular basis after school between 2:30-4:30 p.m. The library’s location adjacent to Brandon Fletcher Intermediate School has made it easy for kids to walk over after school ends. When the library bought the land from the school district for $1, the location was thought to be a benefit, with kids using the library for homework and studying. The problem with too many kids was not anticipated, nor was vandalism.
The library has experienced destruction of furniture, bathrooms and rowdy behavior from kids, Gavey says. The sheer number of children has left no room for adult patrons.
Gavey hopes solutions can be discussed at the forum. The idea for a youth center is one she would like to see explored further.
‘I’ve invited others to offer a few words on how they feel about the scope of the problem, their opinion on the problem and how to go about solving it,? she said. ‘I’ve had a lot of people call on both sides of the issue? from ‘We don’t think we need to be responsible for taking care of other people’s kids? to ‘Yes, we need to do something for these kids.? It will be a public conversation.?
For further information on the forum, call (248) 627-1460.