"Nobody is promoting this or naysaying it," said County Library Board Chairman Paul Rowland.
"We are not advocates, but partners in discussion at their (Kaysville's) invitation," said County Library Director Pete Giacoma. "Our life goes on, perfectly well, as does theirs, no matter what happens.
"We're very proud of what we've done, what service we're able to provide," he said.
Giacoma noted that there are "some philosophical concerns, another is about their building. They had not had to think about that.
"They would suddenly have books coming in from six libraries (including theirs). How would they handle it, plus holds (on books, items) from all over the system. There are questions of cost, venue," he said.
"Their staff is also very concerned" about how they would fit into the picture. The city's staff would have to be technically re-hired as county employees, follow the regular procedures for hiring.
"It will take two to four weeks to gather the information, but our eyes are wide open," Giacoma emphasized.
"The next step is to move forward with an interlocal agreement, and work out at least fundamental issues, legal issues, the responsibility for the building, the LeConte Stewart gallery. That's not the same as a library," he said of the long-standing gallery in honor of Kaysville's late, well-known landscape artist.
"We're taking this under consideration. I kind've like to compare it to the (South Davis Metro) fire agency," said Commis- sioner Dannie McConkie. That agency brought together fire departments from Bountiful as well as surrounding South Davis cities.
"The county is not taking over the Kaysville library," he continued. "The county did not initiate this, there has never been any desire for a switch to occur. It sounds like a good idea, but there's a great deal of work" that must be done before any kind of merger or formal agreement can be reached, he added.
Commission Chair Carol Page, a Kaysville resident, is very familiar with both libraries, said each one has its strengths and provides a good service to their respective communities.
The resolution notes that "it may be in the best interest of citizens within Kaysville City that public library service be provided by Davis County."
It continues: "Whereas, Da-vis County is willing and competent to provide the citizens of Kaysville with public library service."
The resolution resolves that city officials "consider whether the Kaysville Library should become a branch of the Davis County Library and Davis County will consider providing service to residents of Kaysville no earlier than Jan. 1, 2006, and no later than July 1, 2006."
It continues: "Davis County and Kaysville City will consider cooperating in the transfer of operational responsibility for the library, and transferring ownership of books and similar materials, equipment and supplies."
The resolution also asks that "Davis County consider operating a branch of the county library in the library currently known as Kaysville City Library consistent with terms to be specified in an interlocal cooperation agreement."
Kaysville board members and city officials have started looking at options including Davis County after a bond issue vote failed in November.
tbusselberg@davisclipper.com
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