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Then she introduced Marilyn, who brought a video up on the screen and launched into an impressive presentation about the Bliss Cove Media and Technology Center.
The architect had created preliminary plans for a three-story traditional-style building lined with multiple windows and skylights to let in plenty of natural light.
There were state-of-the-art computer stations, a large conference room with video equipment and presentation screens, two smaller meeting rooms, and a whole row of soundproof individual study rooms for both groups and individuals.
Marilyn went on about the high-speed internet access, the tablets that would be available for rent, the potential for gaming stations, and the super-fancy digital media lab.
“Please bear in mind that these plans are very much in progress.” Marilyn swept her smile over the crowd. “We’re here to ask for community input, especially from our own librarian Bee Delaney. Bee, would you please give us your thoughts and suggestions?”
Bee blinked in shock, feeling Aria touch her arm in a warning to stay calm. Marilyn’s request couldn’t have been more blatant. The other woman was clearly a consummate politician who didn’t want people to view her as an evil real estate agent out for her own gains.
No, Marilyn wanted everyone to think she really was sympathetic to Bee and the old Bliss Cove Library. She wanted everyone to think she really wanted what was best for the town and would take everyone’s suggestions into account.
Ha. Bee would show her.
She rose to her feet. “I don’t see a viable children’s section in the plan,” she remarked.
“Oh, that would be located here, in the back of the first floor so there’s no issue for parents with strollers trying to navigate the elevators.” Marilyn directed her laser pointer at a large, two-room area overlooking a landscaped back garden bordering Wildwood Park. “Bee, I know the children’s section at the current library is a bit claustrophobic, but this would serve many purposes. It has plenty of shelf space for picture books—I know how much you love print books—and the charming niche right here by the windows could be used as a storytime area. There are a lot of places to incorporate reading nooks, plus this room off to the side could be used for kids’ events like arts and crafts classes.”
Well. That was all very fine and good, but…
“What about the teen section?” Bee asked sharply.
“Right here.” Marilyn lasered in on a circular room just past the children’s section. “It could have individual workstations, study group areas, and the gaming stations I mentioned earlier. This loft might also be reserved just for teenagers to have a safe, quiet space to read and hang out.”
Comics and graphic novels could be available in the loft too, Bee thought. If not every resource was digitized.
“And if I might add, I’ve suggested that this area here”—Mayor Bowers pushed away from the dais and indicated an area on the main floor of the center—“be turned into an indoor garden where people can read amidst flowers and greenery. My Ground Hogs gardening group already has a number of ideas for which plants would be the most adaptable. It would also be a lovely teaching tool for children.”
Bee couldn’t exactly argue that point. “Who’s doing the interior design?”
“We don’t have a contract yet,” Marilyn replied. “But we’ll hire someone who will incorporate community input, of course. Any ideas on design, Bee?”
She wanted to say no, but what came out was, “I’ve seen some amazing features built into children’s libraries, like replicas of dinosaur fossils, aquariums, and lighthouses or treehouses with little reading rooms inside.”
“Of course.” Marilyn smiled and clicked her pointer. “The interior designer and architect will take all suggestions into account.”
“Wait a minute.” As if sensing that Bee was losing her edge, Aria shot to her feet. “Bee has some very valuable books and documents in the archives at the Bliss Cove Library. What would happen to those?”
“As I’ve suggested, they should all be digitized for historic preservation,” Marilyn said. “However, since the new Media and Tech Center will have a climate-controlled system, it’s possible to have a dedicated archival room with light and humidity controls as well.”
“I have a question.” Brooke stood, her reporter’s gaze arrowing in on Marilyn like a vulture seeking its prey. “You and Lawford Realty Group stand to profit considerably from the sale of the land, do you not?”
Marilyn’s smile didn’t waver. “We plan to broker the sale to the town, yes.”
“How is that not a conflict of interest?”
“Because Lawford Realty Group plans to donate a percentage of the sale to several homeless and women’s shelters in the county.”
Voices rose from the crowd as people turned to each other with murmurs and whispers.
“But the library…” Bee’s voice wavered as she recalled what she’d told Adam.
Sometimes you just lose.
“The proceeds from the sale of the Gardenia House and land will go toward the Media and Tech Center.” Forgoing her pointer, Marilyn smacked her hand on the presentation screen. “The town council also plans to discuss donating a portion of the proceeds to the shelters.”
Bee sank back down into her chair. She could feel the excitement crackling in the air, as if the picture Marilyn painted was casting a bright light over the entire town.
