Posted on Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 11:18 a.m.
$65M bond proposal for new Ann Arbor library to go on November ballot
By Cindy Heflin
Residents in the area served by the Ann Arbor District Library will vote on a $65 million bond proposal to build a new library, the Ann Arbor Chronicle reported.
A young girl with a reusable bag runs toward the downtown branch of the Ann Arbor District Library. Voters will decide on a $65 million bond proposal for a new facility in November.
A survey earlier this year showed about 60 percent of residents supported a bond proposal.
Comments
russellr
Wed, Jul 18, 2012 : 8:54 p.m.
I am fed up with my taxes going up. I will vote NO. You have a nice building, this building will last alot longer. We are in a recession, we are broke. Don't you gready people get it. Your killing us we don't have anymore money to give. You can wait a few years with the building you have. There is nothing wrong with this building, someone get some common sense.
treetowncartel
Wed, Jul 18, 2012 : 4:55 p.m.
Riddle me this? Why does the library building need to be put where it right now? Why not sell that land to a developer and use some existing space, perhaps incorporate into the DTE lot the city will be acquiring? has that proposal been thought through, or are we just going to have one , and one proposal only rammed at the taxpayers in the library district?
SonnyDog09
Wed, Jul 18, 2012 : 4:11 p.m.
What could be more progressive than a new public library building and a new choo-choo train station?
arborani
Wed, Jul 18, 2012 : 2:18 p.m.
News Flash: "The library board approved (the proposal) Monday night in a unanimous vote." Shocking.
Mick52
Wed, Jul 18, 2012 : 5:32 a.m.
Look at the bright side. You will have plenty of available parking.
Dug Song
Wed, Jul 18, 2012 : 3:54 a.m.
Ann Arbor deserves a world-class public facility downtown for all. AADL's branches are enabling spaces for all manner of events and activities, open to the general public. Museums support a kind of cultural exchange that isn't generally participatory. Our library is different - and truly one of the gems of our community, with their forward-thinking vision and responsible stewardship of our resources. I am excited by the prospect of an attractive, modern, freely-accessible "third place" that celebrates culture, learning, and knowledge - we need more performance and social spaces that aren't bars, cafes, or churches. Let's build something great!
Mike
Wed, Jul 18, 2012 : 12:48 p.m.
Ann Arbor also deserves to go broke if they continue spending foolishly and laying off teachers, police, and fire fighters.................
bobr
Wed, Jul 18, 2012 : 3:28 a.m.
Love the Ann Arbor library system. Can't support this proposal. Too much of a disruption for already disrupted businesses in the area. Much electronic material is well presented at the various branches. The downtown building can serve as a meeting place without major renovation.
RUKiddingMe
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 11:49 p.m.
I see the word "library" and I live in Ann Arbor, so the dollar amount probably doesn't even matter; it will pass. I implore all of the people with common sense who are tired of the millions upon millions of waste of YOUR money to please talk to your friends, family, and coworkers, and try to convince them that just because it says "library" or "school" or "art" doesn't mean it's a good idea or is necessary or should cost so much. It would be so great if we reached some kind of tipping point and people started realizing this, or started voting instead of trusting that their money is being spent wisely by the very few people in charge. It's getting harder and harder to pay the bills, and they just can't get enough of piling it on. Is everyone in this town just so rich that they don't need to care about where their money goes, or how much more keeps being taken from them? Even if you're fabulously rich, it seems like at some point the principal of the thing has to make a dent in your consciousness.
Madeleine Borthwick
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 11:41 p.m.
no, no, no, no and NO. again, NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
LXIX
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 9:27 p.m.
No...really...ithe new library will simply be a2mazing. It will look like an high-tech eraser in the sky. Have almost 100 reading rooms complete with cable access. Offer a huge lecture hall for meetings. And be built right over the parking garage while the old library is torn down. That old space will then become a nice park (or even a parking lot to help pay for the new staff).
ChrisW
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 9:51 p.m.
Maybe some couches for the homeless people to nap on and some showers too.
a2susan
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 8:07 p.m.
I'm all for any improvements or new building for the library. Ann Arbor has a gem of a library system. I go to the Mallett Creek branch several times a week to pick up books I've reserved and I use the website almost daily to check the status of my holds and look for new books. As far as paying taxes for a new building, it's really a small price to pay for what we get in return.
Peter Baker
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 8:03 p.m.
"A new 160,000 square foot building would cost $71 million and a project renovating the 1990 portion of the building and replacing the 1958 building with a four-story addition would cost $65 million." – From the Facilities Committee Recommendation Letter: http://www.aadl.org/files/facilitiescommitteerecommendation.pdf
Ross
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 7:54 p.m.
Glad to see the comments thus far. I truly hope this proposal will go down in epic defeat as a face-slap of common sense to those who support it. WE DO NOT NEED A NEW LIBRARY. The current one is fine, and justificaiton provided for replacing it is pathetically weak. A stadium style auditorium is needed in the library? For what, concerts? C'mon, there are 100 other venues in this city. Replacing a beautiful, fully functional facility like the current building is so incredibly moronic that it just hurts my heart to think about.
Peter Baker
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 7:58 p.m.
Nobody is proposing having a "stadium style auditorium" that would host concerts. But an auditorium for lectures and presentations is absolutely something a library would use. "The Facilities Committee's report reviewed the shortcomings of the current building, first constructed in 1958 and updated twice, most recently in 1990. It found the facility has inadequate capabilities for meeting patron needs for safe, quiet reading space, outdated heating and air conditioning systems, lacks sufficient meeting space for community events and large presentations, needs capacity for additional infrastructure to meet growing computer use, does not have space for children's programming and services that reflect the needs of contemporary families and students, and does not have an auditorium. After reviewing renovation possibilities, the committee determined that a new facility built on the site of the existing building was the most cost effective solution."
Mike
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 7:15 p.m.
The city of Ann Arbor is lucky that we are an affluent community and open our wallets to things like this. With the increase in taxes on dividend taxes (45%) and new payroll tax (.9%) coming on January 1st from Obama care along with the expiration of the evil Bush tax cuts (now called Obama tax cuts) and the expiration of the 2% payroll tax holiday we've been enjoying I can finally get rid of all of that pesky money that has been sitting in my wallet and give more to the government who obviously knows how to spend it better than I do. I say vote yes and get us to a financial reset in this country sooner than later. We ARE being fundamentally changed and need to embrace that fact. I'm glad there are lots of safety nets for my kids and grandkids to fall into..................
DonBee
Thu, Jul 19, 2012 : 2:10 a.m.
don't forget the school enhancement millage next spring, and the AATA millage and potentially several other millages on the ballot over the next 12 months.
G. Orwell
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 7:07 p.m.
$65 MILLION!? For what? A library downtown will go the way of Borders. Don't sink anymore money into it. Not much need for it in this electronic age. I can get info on my smart phone and books on my e-reader. Why would I spend limited time going to a library? Do minimal renovation to the existing building and call it a day. Please no more tax increases. Please think of the thousands of people just getting by during this difficult economic times. The school tech funding should take care of all the school children's need for information and books.
timjbd
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 6:33 p.m.
Put the new library in the old Jacobson's/Border's building..
Brad
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 7:56 p.m.
But once you throw out all the obsolete books it would fit no problem.
Peter Baker
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 6:53 p.m.
The current library building is already 4 times the size of the Borders storefront on Liberty.
Arieswoman
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 6:29 p.m.
I think we have a fabulous library system here in Ann Arbor. I never go down town any more but use the Mallett Creek branch. That parking lot is much too small! It is a heavily used branch. Of course, I have a Kindle and get books on loan that way now!
owlnight
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 6:14 p.m.
1. The library has been added on twice, the last time tripled the size 25 years ago. 2. If they build a new library, how long will we not have a library?
DonBee
Thu, Jul 19, 2012 : 2:08 a.m.
Probably 2 years - and the streets in the area will probably be disrupted for much of it. You will just have to bicycle to one of the branches. OBTW - many of the books will not come back.
mczacharias
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 6:07 p.m.
unconscionable disposal of a sturdy, attractive building. ann arbor……….please simply vote NO!
brian123
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 8:26 p.m.
attractive building? regardless of what side of the fence you're on, i think we can all agree the building is quite the opposite of attractive. That being said...i don't think it's the right time (RE: shaky economy) to take on this project. Perhaps 5-7 years from now.
Stupid Hick
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 5:55 p.m.
The Ann Arbor public library system is a valuable resource for the community and they did a great job with the Mallett and Traver branches. In my view, this is exactly the kind of improvement our taxes should support.
genericreg
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 5:31 p.m.
NO.
Ron Granger
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 5:22 p.m.
From the AADL Facillities Commitee Recommendation: "In the past three years, there has been a 21.8% increase in the number of occurrences of outside organizations who book rooms Downtown for non- library sponsored events, rentals or events." Surely we don't need to spend $65 million dollars to remove books and optimize the space as a meeting hall for non-library events. Why should taxpayers subsidize meeting space for non-library events? In the existing space, that is fine. But to re-configure specifically for that mission seems wrong.
DonBee
Thu, Jul 19, 2012 : 2:06 a.m.
Mr Granger - The mayor gets his tax funded conference center in a different way. No pesky city council in the way nor planning commission.
Peter Baker
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 5:23 p.m.
It's not specifically for that, but that would be an additional benefit.
Peter Baker
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 5:14 p.m.
By the way, here is the library's own discussion of the proposal, ie. making their case. http://www.aadl.org/node/205889
Epengar
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 6:14 p.m.
Thank you! It's ridiculous that this wasn't included in the story.
Arboriginal
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 5:05 p.m.
It's time for a modern facility. Think multimedia auditorium for visiting authors/musicians and other presentations. Way past time! It can be built above the parking structure and a fabulous park can go where the old structure stood. Change is good!
Ross
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 7:51 p.m.
EXACTLY, RON. Why the heck do the citizens need to pony up $65 million so that the library can host concerts. That is a ludicrous idea. The current facility is beautiful and 100% functional. Sorry, but please get over this idea and VOTE NO.
Ron Granger
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 5:16 p.m.
"Think multimedia auditorium for visiting authors/musicians and other presentations." There are plenty of available auditoriums available in this town. It does not justify $65 million. The role of the library is not to be an auditorium.
Peter Baker
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 4:56 p.m.
I'm seeing a lot of recycled comments about how the library hasn't made the case for a new building. Why would they be trying to convince you before deciding whether or not they're even going to ask you? The current building is 65 years old; pre-computer, pre-compact disc, pre-internet, pre-WiFi, pre-Americans with Disabilities Act. At a certain point, the building needs to be replaced, or we'll have wasted even more money on bootstrapped fixes. Ann Arbor's library is one of the best in the country, and does so much more than just store books. It deserves a modern facility.
treetowncartel
Wed, Jul 18, 2012 : 4:49 p.m.
So we are relying on one proposal to show what the difference is? What about that HGTV show where people convert their extra space in their home to a rental home and they get varrying proposals based on cost. Maybe, we could ask an architect/designer to come up with a proposal that only costs 22 Million. I mean like eating piedmontese beef but my budget doesn't always always allow it.
Harry Hunter
Wed, Jul 18, 2012 : 4:10 p.m.
They want an auditorium with raked seating to meet demand for meeting and event space. You pretty much have to demolish the current building to put one in.
Peter Baker
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 10:34 p.m.
If you read the actual proposal, you'll see that renovations would cost 9/10ths of what a new building would.
treetowncartel
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 7:36 p.m.
But maybe, they could reconfiigure it like the Europeans do for 1/3 of 65 million dollars?
Peter Baker
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 6:14 p.m.
The building and the organization are very different things. The staff of the library do incredible things, IN SPITE OF an outdated building. Have you seen any of the branch buildings? They are amazing, cost-effective structures, and the downtown one deserves the same.
treetowncartel
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 5:59 p.m.
I sense a little contradiction in your plea. "The downtown library is not historically or culturally significant, and isn't worth spending more to retrofit than to build anew." "Ann Arbor's library is one of the best in the country, and does so much more than just store books." If the library is and has been such a front runner why not preserve the structure thsat contributed to it being one of the best in the country?
Peter Baker
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 5:26 p.m.
Europeans spend even more reconfiguring historic building for modern uses. The downtown library is not historically or culturally significant, and isn't worth spending more to retrofit than to build anew.
northside
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 5:18 p.m.
The library has been trying to make a case for a new building for several years. They were close to putting in on the ballot in 2008 but held off due to the economy almost falling off a cliff: http://www.annarbor.com/news/talks-picking-up-about-future-of-downtown-ann-arbor-library/ As for the building being ancient at 65 years old, I'd imagine most Europeans getting a chuckle out of that. There are plenty of older buildings around that have incorporated new technologies, our downtown library included.
Goober
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 4:54 p.m.
No need for a new building. What is wrong with the current building? If they really want to move, move into one of the many vacant business structures in the close proximity. My guess, our mayor, city council and other city leaders will find a way to get this to pass. The voters will decide. Most must have very deep pockets. Time to move!
a2cents
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 4:53 p.m.
AA is a prosperous community. There is absolutely no reason for a civic building to be more than 30 years old. By law the new edition must be uglier than its predecessor. Brace yourselves.
brimble
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 4:49 p.m.
It is very difficult to make sense of this bond proposal. It represents a huge increase in the taxes residents will pay for the library, and it is very difficult to see the value gained. Is a large, centrally-located "flagship" library location even a good model? Sorry, library board, this is a folly!
Top Cat
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 4:40 p.m.
Building new libraries in a digital age makes as much sense as building new post offices.
SonnyDog09
Wed, Jul 18, 2012 : 11:32 a.m.
While we're at it, let's build a new horse stable, too!
brian123
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 8:38 p.m.
I think its actually the opposite. The more people continue to read news and books online/electronically, the harder it's going to be for bricks and mortar businesses (e.g., B&N) to stay afloat. However, that demand will be shifted to public facilities to provide this content...since there is still sufficient demand out there. With people renting/purchasing fewer movies and books, local libraries offering "free" content (public subsidy noted), are poised to play a much larger role in the future.
Top Cat
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 5:32 p.m.
As Yogi said, "No one goes there any more. It's too crowded."
Ron Granger
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 5:18 p.m.
You obviously haven't visited either of those places recently. They are both extremely busy.
Ron Granger
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 4:27 p.m.
Voting NO and encouraging others to do so. The library has not made their case for a new building at this time. They have not told us in any detail how the money will be spent. Also, the troubling statements that the new library won't be designed for books raises many questions regarding just how many books will be purged, etc.
Mike58
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 4:19 p.m.
It's not the right time for this. I will vote no.
ChrisW
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 4:14 p.m.
I'm voting "no" this time even though I voted "yes" on previous library proposals. For $15 million you could buy everyone in Ann Arbor a Kindle and load it up with 1000 free classic books. The library could still lend newer e-books to Kindle owners using Amazon's 'local library' program. I just don't see how anyone can justify $65 million to replace a perfectly decent building with another, especially given the technological changes in store for the next 20 years.
Ross
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 7:50 p.m.
Thanks for the rational thought.
xmo
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 4:12 p.m.
It would be nice to have a "real" reporter examine the 60% approval rate survey? I am sure that they asked a large number of Liberal Democrats (who like more taxes on other people) and the homeless who need a new place to stay! With all of the bad economic news, how could anybody justify building a "Brick and Mortar" library in the digital age!
Anthony Clark
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 11:40 p.m.
60% support putting the issue on the ballot. That doesn't mean they will all vote yes. It simply means a majority of those polled thought it should be put to a vote.
treetowncartel
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 4 p.m.
From a planningg perspective, wouldn't it have made more sense to do this projuect in conjunction with the underground parking structure? If major construction take place here again the local businesses, residents, and pedestrians and vechicle traffic passing by are all going to be inconvenienced again.
northside
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 4 p.m.
I usually vote yes to fund things like this, but I'll be voting no. The library has made a weak case for the new building and I can't believe they're even putting this forth in an economy that is still struggling. (Plus, could we again enjoy that area for 5 minutes without another major construction project?)
northside
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 4:27 p.m.
As a followup, the "60% support" is somewhat misleading. The survey - commissioned by the library - found that 45% said they'd vote yes and another 15% would lean towards voting yes. The survey also found that 80% gave the downtown facility a positive rating.
B2Pilot
Tue, Jul 17, 2012 : 3:35 p.m.
What they want citizens to vote on an idea before implementing? hmmm interesting idea..