Ask NOW: Why do library employees get their own parking lot?

Is there a rumor you've heard you would like to track down? Is there something in the community that needs to get fixed? Mary Malahy answers some of the mysteries of life in the Elmbrook area.

Why do library employees have their own parking area?

Issue: A reader wants to know why the employees at the library have a special parking lot. She wonders if the lot could be opened to the public, especially on busy days.

Status: I spoke with Edell Schaefer, Brookfield Public Library director, and she explained that it isn't unusual to have staff-only parking lots, and many other libraries follow this practice. The employee parking lot existed when she began working at the library nearly 30 years ago.

The restrictions are put in place to prevent the high school students from parking in city lots, and the signs are required so the Police Department can issue citations to those parked illegally.

Schaefer added that these restrictions are only in place during the school day and the lot is open to anyone during the evenings, weekends and summer. For example, during the farmers market, anyone can park in that lot.

Because the library has many events and programs, it is important to make sure employees are able to park, Schaefer explained. Another reason for the restriction is to make space for the city's fleet vehicles, which also park there.

Brookfield NOW .com

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