"Central Square being the heart of Cambridge and accessible by the T in some people's minds would be a more effective place for the main library and, in particular, a more effective place to provide services to the elderly and the youth of Cambridge," he said.

But Boulrice said he thought there were other issues to consider before the location was discussed.

"It's premature to discuss where the main branch of the library should be," he said.

Boulrice said the Neighborhood Coalition met with Flannery on February 21 to discuss issues relating to the library, of which two were very prominent.

"One, what is the best way to restore or renovate a historically significant building?" Boulrice said. "Two, what is the most efficient way to deliver library services in the next century?"

In addition to the main branch, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, there are six neighborhood branches.

Boulrice said he was concerned about what effect the expenditures of renovating the main branch might have on the neighborhood branches.

"We are concerned that if $20 million are spent to renovate or expand the Broadway Street complex that there may be no money for the branches and that the neighborhood branches might suffer as a result," he said.

Renovations

One reason for the suggestion that Cambridge look into relocating the main branch is that the current expansion plans have met with some resistance from neighbors in mid-Cambridge.

"I, and many of my neighbors here in Cambridge, believe that the library needs to be expanded and renovated, but we worry that the current plan is too intrusive on the [mid-Cambridge Neighborhood Park] and that the process the city has used has not involved the neighborhood," Gomez-Ibanez said.

He said he thought that many of the neighbors wanted both the expanded library and the protected park.

"This is the only park for quite a distance, unless you count Harvard Yard," he explained. "If you come here on a summer day, you will see families and dogs and people sunning themselves. There are many apartment buildings in the neighborhood and most people don't have yards."

Gomez-Ibanez said he thought the expansion plans might be going a little too far.

"If the library insists on building its new building right in the middle of the park and if it insists on as many parking spaces as it is now, then I think this program is just maybe too big for this small site," he said.