This is quickly becoming one of the popular events each year. It shows that the community is quite concerned about education and what these fine schools have to offer.

It's fair to say that this library is as involved with community events as any. I've seen that as part of my mission here, and I've been receptive to community groups coming my way.

The international community should be very alarmed by these events because the situation is getting out of hand and we are sliding backwards. We have had some very terrible tragedies, but this is one of the lowest points, if not the lowest, that we have had.

Had we not joined forces and brought these events about, our community may not even be aware of the kinds of resources (that are available). We've given them a message that we are here and that we are working on violence and substance abuse in their community.

What we have found is, and what we're hearing from the public is, it's a marvelous facility for community events. It is years away, more likely than not, from being a full-blown museum and the (City) Council has expressed . . . concerns about the costs of operating it as a museum.

It?s a great space. It?s a function hall that can be used for community events.