After more than a dozen years to find a use for the Duluth Armory building, a surprise agreement was reached last week with the Duluth Public Library to move its collection to London Road. The announcement coincides with the 125th Anniversary of the Library and 100th Anniversary of the Armory.
In late 2014 it was learned that the current library building, a mere 35 years old, is in need of a major overhaul, with some estimates running as high as 35 million dollars. Founded in 2004, the Armory Arts and Music Center (AAMC) board has spent years seeking a way to preserve the building where Bob Dylan was inspired by Buddy Holly to pursue a career in music. Everything from charter school to art gallery and historical museum has been proposed. Board members have been in private negotiations with the library board since the idea was first broached a week before Christmas.
“Best Christmas ever,” said Mark Poirier of the AAMC. “When the library approached us it was totally out of the blue, but it’s no pipe dream. Despite last year’s collapse of the roof, it appears now that this is really going to happen.”
Indeed, the library board was nearly ecstatic at the concept as it took shape. According to library board president Jane Brissett plans came together relatively quickly. “A small Dylan Museum and Music Room will become a section of the new library and permissions are being sought with Dylan’s people to secure rights to sell Dylan memorabilia and Dylan-themed souvenirs. It’s an ambitious plan,” said Brissett, “but the goal will be to open the Bob Dylan Historical Library on his 75th  birthday in May 2016.”
Frank Jewell indicated that several library board members are Dylan fans, and that it was Dylan’s music that induced him into public service early in his life. “Dylan has always spoken out for the downtrodden, the down-and-outs,” he explained. “Libraries are for everyone.”
Though Brissett stated that the decision was unanimous, the Reader has privately learned that two members abstained in the final vote.
In a related story, in February an anonymous donor made a $100,000 contribution to St. Mary’s Hospital to rename the birthing center “The Bob Dylan Memorial Birthing Center.” It was at St. Mary’s where the infant Robert Zimmerman was born on May 24, 1941. The hospital board has not yet announced whether they will accept the gift.