LETTERS LETTERS (October 05, 2005)

Merry Christmas on the Internet

Editor:

I have followed with interest the proposal, and thoughtful rebuttal, that the new library in the Portola Valley Town Center should be replaced by the Internet for all the information in the books, magazines, newspapers, CDs, DVDs, and so forth that are currently housed at the library.

The reality of that proposal being measured strictly on the convenience and expense ignores the benefits from more human relations and relating to original sources. The rationa1e suggests that a family Christmas gathering would be great for all the-members to agree on a time and "get together" by computer.

It would save the expense and waste of time for fighting the traffic or hassle at airports, trouble and expense of family members bringing some of the meal -- or the bother of sitting down together for just visiting and getting to know each other better, opening gifts with a kiss and hug thank-you rather than clicking off the Internet power button.

Of all the key structures now proposed for the new Town Center for the governance of our very special community, no one building will give the center a more viable "Sense of Place" in the words of Wallace Stegner.

I appreciate that an important decision deserves debate and is a tenet of our democracy. But if I put my finger in the wind for an increasing concern of parents, teachers, child psychiatrists, and others, the ease of "high tech" often leads to isolation from the critical needs of human relations for a family, business, government, or community. Both the Internet and physical buildings are important for sure but neither one replaces the other.

At the opening of the wonderful but minimal temporary library at the Corte Madera School, I saw a young mother on the floor with two very young children, reading, laughing, and selecting books together. As I sat in the adult section, adjacent to too few computers for students, I overheard a boy and girl discussing the contents of a book that had been recommended by both of their parents, and two senior citizens who discovered they were born in the same state. Trivia perhaps, but precious non-high-tech values for a happy productive life multiplied thousands of times in a public library.

I appreciate that the Internet is a speedy, convenient boon for information. But I do feel "people-to-people" relations is a critical part of the equation in life, especially as children and young people are growing up and maturing into adulthood to cope with the real world. For sure, the comparison of the modest life-saving wooden structure for the proposed Town Library with the grand New York City Library and Library of Congress -- and I know both well -- is not realistic. In my book, the Internet replacing the library as the people's Town Center is comparing apples with oranges.

Bill Lane

Westridge Drive, Portola Valley

What message is sent on Town Center project

Editor:

Portola Valley residents have an opportunity to ask themselves some questions while preparing to develop a Town Center. The most important question might be the message we send our children when we consider spending millions and millions of dollars on this new building.

Here we stand, one of the most affluent communities in the country, during a moment in history when lots of very sad stuff is happening in our world and inside our own borders.

Wouldn't it be challenging to think way out of the box and create a center in this valley whose foundation is built on simplicity -- whose foundation is built around the natural beauty already here. It could be built on integrity and how little we can spend.

Our Town Center has served us well for years -- those "faulty" buildings should be thanked over and over for doing such a terrific job. So how much do we really need? With the fine minds and talents in our community might it not be possible to rethink our vision -- a hands-on vision that would include our children in the process.

Let's spend some time brainstorming -- when is enough, enough? Why not commit the difference between what we could spend and what we should spend to a community who truly needs it.

Let's retain our dignity -- men of means rich in humility; indeed a precious message to pass on with pride to future generations; what a challenging and unique task for us.

How nice it could be. Susan Thomas Cervantes Road, Portola Valley

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