Opinion piece criticizing the Portland Public Library\u27s proposal to purchase a

Opinion piece criticizing the Portland Public Library\u27s proposal to purchase and retrofit the former Portland Public Market building for $13 million in lieu of its four-year-old plan for an $8.5 million renovation of its existing building. The plan calls for the main library to be sold for $3.4 million, with the library retaining the lower level for storage and use of the auditorium. Taffy Field, chairwoman of the library board of trustees, said the motivation for considering the market space was the quest for better, more functional space. The author suggests a visionary approach that would both renovate the existing library and acquire the market building - creating a cultural showcase in downtown Portland