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Library Board Should Explore Its Options

The trustees of the James Prendergast Library Association’s Board (JPLA) face a very important decision, perhaps as soon as this Thursday’s 5:15 pm board meeting: Sell all or part of the 54 piece art collection, donated by the Prendergast and Packard families many years ago, or try to find a way to keep the art for the greater benefit and betterment of the people of Jamestown and Chautauqua County. There is no easy answer.

A recent court order, based upon a stipulation between the library and the New York State Assistant Attorney General, required sale of the art be public (in order to ensure fair market value) as a condition to adopting the library’s interpretation of Mrs. Prendergast will. There are no restrictions on the disposition of the proceeds per the court order. However, any such restrictions could be imposed by the library’s board.

Further complicating the issue is a major reduction in library funding by the City of Jamestown for 2017, with the possibility of even less funding for 2018.

A small but significant group of concerned citizens, often known as “Save the Art”, would like to see the collection stay together, and remain in Jamestown. In 2015, Fredonia graduate Cathy Marion and her husband, Jesse, gave the library an initial donation in exchange for the library’s promise not to sell the art. Additional parts of the Marion’s offer were: an option of an additional payment for a second year commitment to not sell the art; an offer to pay for a study to update the library’s location to display the artwork or help find an alternate location; finally, they offered to assist with a capital campaign to raise the needed funds to accomplish these goals. Last fall the group’s hope was lifted when Mr. & Mrs. Marion made a purchase offer of $1,170,000 to the JPLA Board for the art collection. (Matching the most recent appraisal by Sotheby’s Auction House) The recent ruling prevents this from happening, yet this group continues to look for an answer.

Is there a creative solution to these issues; a way to achieve both goals? In 2014, the City of Detroit faced bankruptcy. A way out was to sell their valuable art collection, however, no one wanted that to happen. Known as “The Grand Bargain”, a combination of foundation, private and public financial support, along with a complicated trust purchase agreement, resulted in bailing out the city, yet keeping the art in place. Ownership was through an independent charitable trust, the way most major museums are structured. Is this an option for the JPLA Board?

Midway State Park was acquired through New York State DEC funding of over $4 million; the historic Jamestown Train Station was restored by private and public funding exceeding $14 million; and most recently, the National Comedy Center is becoming a reality through private and public funding of more than $24 million. The City of Jamestown is blessed with many philanthropic individuals and generous foundations. Perhaps the JPLA Board should ask for help in saving the art, rather than being so determined to sell. Should they not at least try?

The library board must look at all possible options, keeping in mind they would be selling their largest asset, never to be replaced. (Once valued at over $3M) The people of Chautauqua County and the City of Jamestown need to realize the value of this asset, especially for our future generations. To retain and properly exhibit all or part of this art collection is a once in a lifetime opportunity. When it’s sold, it’s gone forever!

Not an easy decision, but certainly one that’s worthy of exploring all possibilities.

Should you wish to express your thoughts to the JPLA’s Board, please attend their June meeting, this Thursday, June 15th, 5:15 p.m., at the James Prendergast Library. The board will hear public comment prior to the start of their meeting. All board meetings are open to the public.

Save the Art, a group of concerned citizens, includes Tom Andolora, Nancy G. Bargar, Bill and Pat Locke, Jesse and Cathy Marion, Kathleen McCarthy, Robert Plyler, Dianne Soule and Roberta Thompson.

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