State Librarian Virginia Lowell received a "more than satisfactory" annual evaluation last night from the state Board of Education, which she said validates her position to hold off on the official opening of Kapolei Public Library until it is fully funded. State librarian receives
positive BOE evaluationBy Lisa Asato
lasato@starbulletin.com"What the board has said is, 'We're behind you,'" Lowell said.
Lowell has been criticized for not wanting to open the completed part of Kapolei Library until it gets 60,000 volumes, 6,000 videos and other nonprint materials.
Community members, including state Rep. Mark Moses (R, Kunia-Ewa-Waipahu), have suggested she open the library on a limited basis, using donated books and volunteers.
But Lowell is against accepting donated books, saying it will create double the work for the limited staff that has been funded.
Kapolei Library was scheduled to open in July 2003, but it remains in operational limbo because state lawmakers have not provided money for books and other essentials. It is now scheduled to open in December 2003, provided lawmakers provide the funds.
The school board met behind closed doors last night before returning to a public session to announce that members were happy with Lowell's performance.
In an interview, board member Michael Nakamura said the members did not look at the Kapolei issue, but rather considered her overall performance.
"I think she's got a good relationship with the board, she keeps the board up to date. ... She's proactive -- she's sometimes, I think, a step ahead of the board," he said.
Nakamura said Lowell is not afraid to let others in the library system take the lead. And he said the Kapolei Library issue is not of Lowell's making. "She's doing the best she can with what she's given."
State Board of Education
