Esslingen library parade: Citizens' request against a majority of the council!

Esslingen library parade: Citizens' request against a majority of the council!

Esslingen, Deutschland - in Esslingen was made on Monday that a decision was made that could significantly influence the future of the city library. The municipal council approved the move of the city library to the former fashion house Kögel by just one voice. This was vehemently approved by Mayor Matthias Klopfer. Greens, the SPD and free voters have supported the project, while the CDU, FDP/volt, left/for, AfD and we/sports fields are given against this step. The session took place due to the current room situation in the parish hall on Blarerplatz because the old town hall is used for the citizens' office. The decision was made at 19 to 18 votes, which shows that there is a very scarce and potentially controversial majority, such as [Esslinger Zeitung] (https://www.esslinger-zeitung.de/inshalt.esslinger-buecherei-debatte-hauchduenne- fuer-koegel-buergergebehren-sekuendigt.ba74a3c9-483d-a2-f3e8d0642ad9.html) reported.

The move to the Kögel building should bring many advantages. According to the plans, around 700 square meters will be available more public space. This creates space for a larger children's and family area as well as for its own youth area. In the future, a book bus could even start the new building directly. In addition, improved visibility through the central location and an open facade promises that the city library can count on more visitors. The team of the city library has already developed a concept for future use, which is underpinned by feasibility studies, which Esslingen.de shows in detail.

Citizens' request announced

In connection with the decision made, a citizens' request was announced. In order to initiate a citizens' decision about the future location of the library, around 5000 signatures must be collected. The legal requirements for such desires are clearly defined. There are deadlines for the collection of signatures and the voting question must be clearly formulated. Citizens can therefore actively influence the decision on bürgergesellschaft.de.

The discussion about the library location is not new. As early as December 2022, a majority of the council had collected an earlier citizens' decision that had planned a library in the care center. The tour of the planning options was anything but straightforward. At the meeting on May 26, the planned move to the Kögel fashion house was discussed early. The relocation costs are estimated at around 13.5 million euros, while the renovation costs for remaining in the care center are around 17.3 million euros. This opens up an exciting area of ​​tension between cost efficiency and cultural preservation.

The decision about the future of the city library not only reflects the current opinions in the local council, but also the high interest and commitment of the population. Both the supporters and the opponents of the project will definitely be heard in the coming weeks, while the citizens' initiatives are preparing their signature lists. It remains to be seen how this debate will develop and what paths the city library will ultimately take.