A legal dispute over Gannon University's use of space at the Blasco Library in Erie has concluded. A settlement was reached between the university, Erie County, and the citizen group Keep Our Library Public, ending a lawsuit filed earlier this year over the terms of a long-term lease.
The agreement, finalized on December 19, alters key provisions of the original lease for Gannon's Center for Lake Erie Education and Research (CLEER) and establishes a new collaborative partnership aimed at benefiting the public library system.
Key Takeaways
- A settlement has been reached in the lawsuit filed by Keep Our Library Public against Erie County and Gannon University.
- The university's lease for space in the Blasco Library has been reduced from an initial 25 years to a new term of 10 years.
- Gannon University's access to common areas has been revised to be on the same basis as the general public.
- A new Memorandum of Understanding will see Gannon assist with library membership drives and programming, and offer library members access to its own Nash Library resources.
A Resolution to a Public Dispute
The settlement officially ends a legal challenge initiated in June by Keep Our Library Public (KOLP). The group had raised concerns about the process and conditions surrounding the lease agreement that allowed Gannon University to establish its CLEER facility within the publicly funded Blasco Library.
The lawsuit centered on the length of the 25-year lease and the extent to which the university could use common areas within the library, which KOLP argued could limit public access. After court-facilitated mediation sessions held on December 2 and 3, all parties worked to finalize the terms, culminating in a Consent Order submitted to the court.
In a statement, Gannon University confirmed the settlement and highlighted its commitment to the library's future. The university pledged to support the library’s annual membership drive and contribute to its programming, signaling a move toward a more collaborative relationship.
Background of the Conflict
The controversy began when Erie County approved a lease for Gannon University to house its Center for Lake Erie Education and Research (CLEER) inside the Raymond M. Blasco, M.D. Memorial Library. The citizen group Keep Our Library Public formed in response, arguing that the long-term lease of public property was not in the best interest of taxpayers and library patrons. Their lawsuit sought to challenge the legality and fairness of the agreement.
Key Terms of the New Agreement
The settlement introduces significant changes to the original arrangement. These modifications are designed to address the primary concerns voiced by the citizen group while allowing the university's research center to continue its operations.
Reduced Lease Term
Perhaps the most substantial change is the reduction of the lease term. The initial agreement granted Gannon University a 25-year lease for the space. The new settlement shortens this initial term to 10 years, with options for extension to be considered in the future. This change provides more frequent opportunities for public review and oversight.
Clarified Use of Common Areas
Another critical point of contention was Gannon's use of the library's common areas. The settlement addresses this by revising the terms to ensure the university's access is equivalent to that of any member of the public. This provision aims to protect public access and prevent the privatization of shared spaces within the library.
A Win for Public Oversight
According to Keep Our Library Public, the Consent Order establishes new procedures and oversight for any future lease or sale of County Library real estate. This sets a precedent for how public assets are managed, ensuring greater transparency and public input in future decisions.
A New Chapter of Collaboration
Beyond resolving the legal conflict, the settlement establishes a framework for future cooperation. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between Gannon University and the Erie County Executive outlines a partnership intended to enhance the Erie County Public Library system.
Under the MOU, Gannon will actively participate in promoting the library through several initiatives:
- Assisting with annual membership drives.
- Collaborating on library programming for the public.
- Collecting data to help improve library services.
"We believe the agreement package sets guardrails as to what elected officials can do with Library assets and ensures fulfillment of Dr. Blasco’s vision for his bequest to Erie County," Keep Our Library Public stated. "This was never about KOLP or about politics... it was all about Blasco Library."
A significant benefit for library patrons is a new reciprocal arrangement. Gannon University will grant Erie County Public Library members access to the resources available at its own Nash Library. This opens up a new collection of academic and research materials to the community, expanding the educational resources available to Erie residents.
Looking Ahead for the Library and Community
With the lawsuit resolved, the focus for all parties now shifts to implementation and collaboration. The settlement is being framed as a positive outcome that not only addresses the specific issues of the lawsuit but also strengthens the relationship between a major local institution and a vital public service.
Representatives from KOLP expressed satisfaction with the outcome, viewing it as a victory for the library and Erie County taxpayers. The group emphasized its hope that the new MOU will lead to tangible growth and benefits for all library users across the county.
The resolution allows Gannon's CLEER facility to continue its environmental research, while ensuring the Blasco Library remains a centrally public institution. The new agreement seeks to balance the university's research goals with the community's right to accessible public spaces and resources, setting a new course for their coexistence.
