The newly created Library Authority in the city of Scranton (which could easily be un-created when the new Council is sworn in) is a roundabout way for Mayor Doherty to build a library in South Side.

The Mayor could not get county support. This support is essential, because the library tax supports Lackawanna County’s network of libraries.

There is nothing wrong with a new library in South Side. There is something wrong with making it the main library, which should remain in the downtown. The other problem is that the library has borrowing power and can issue bonds, but does not have any revenue stream. The only option to pay down any incurred debt would be to have the city pay it off, which it cannot do without an increase in taxes. This is not right.

In addition, a nice-sized chunk of Scranton’s new Library Authority aren’t Scrantonians. How does this make sense? The Mayor of Scranton needs to be from Scranton, as do cops and firefighters. People who work for a Scranton governing body need to be from the city, plain and simple.
Expect to see some kind of deal whereby the Albright gets turned over to Lackawanna College, but remains open to the public for use, thereby retaining its deed-stipulated purpose.