Library Accessibility

The central library should continue to be located downtown at the hub of the public transportation system because so many central library users depend on public transportation. But even for central library users who come by car, the Hillcrest Sears store site would be a poor location for the central library from the standpoint of accessibility.

Though centrally located, it is hard to get to; and were this not so, surely the Sears store would not be closing. It is noteworthy that little other major commercial activity has developed near the Sears store.

Freeway access to that area is only via California 163, our oldest and most difficult freeway to drive on. And the layout of streets there is confusing, so that it is easy to get lost either in a car or on foot.

Bus service from downtown runs every 10 minutes to Park Boulevard and University Avenue, but it is a long walk from there to the Sears store. Other bus service stops closer but runs only every half hour.

The primary advantage of the site is the ample automobile parking there. Adequate automobile parking should be provided near the central library.

Construction should be planned to alleviate the downtown parking problem in general. Long Beach is ahead of San Diego in providing adequate free downtown parking.

But accessibility, especially by public transportation, should be the paramount consideration in choosing a central library site; and poor accessibility should preclude selection of the Hillcrest Sears store site for the central library.

ROBERT H. STICKEL

San Diego