Public invited to forum to discuss possible downtown Ann Arbor library bond proposal
The Ann Arbor District Library board is considering placing a bond proposal on the November ballot to address the challenges of the downtown library.
Ryan J. Stanton | AnnArbor.com
Library staff members are expected to provide information at the forum taking place from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday in the fourth floor meeting room of the library, 343 S. Fifth Ave. Staff will offer tours of the current facilities and provide opportunity for input.
The library board is considering placing a bond proposal on the November ballot to address the challenges of the downtown library. Before making a decision, the board wants to offer interested citizens a chance to ask questions and give their feedback.
Library Director Josie Parker has said the building has seen better days and would require a number of improvements just to continue functioning in the future.
Wednesday's forum follows two other forums that were held on June 9 and 12. Those unable to attend can send comments or questions to downtown@aadl.org.
A recent survey of likely voters in the Ann Arbor area showed about 60 percent would be in favor or lean in favor of a $65 million library bond proposal if it were on the ballot.
"It is anticipated that the cost will be approximately $65 million to execute the renovation or new construction project, meaning that the voters of the district would have to approve of a bond proposal to repay the cost of the bonds to finance the project," the survey stated.
"Such a bond proposal would result in a property tax increase of approximately 0.69 mills, meaning that for every $200,000 in market value and a taxable value of $100,000, a typical homeowner would pay an additional $69 per year, or $5.75 per month, in property taxes."
Given those facts, 45 percent of respondents said they would vote yes, while another 15 percent said they were leaning toward yes. About 33 percent said they'd vote no and another 4 percent said they were leaning toward no.
The downtown library originally was built in 1957. An addition in 1974 doubled the size of the building, and an addition in 1991 doubled the size again.
Ryan J. Stanton covers government and politics for AnnArbor.com. Reach him at ryanstanton@annarbor.com or 734-623-2529. You also can follow him on Twitter or subscribe to AnnArbor.com's email newsletters.
Comments
Roger Kuhlman
Sun, Jun 17, 2012 : 2:43 p.m.
Amn Arbor taxes are way to high and we don't need to raise them even higher for an uneeded, largely appearance only, 'improvements' in the downtown library. The Ann Arbor Library needs to act frugally and fiscally responsible with taxpayer monies. Only spend public money when it is absolutely necessary. The Library Board has not come close to making the case for this new proposed project and its required higher taxes
Michigan Reader
Fri, Jun 15, 2012 : 10:31 p.m.
Don't tell me--they won't close Fifth Ave. AGAIN for this project?? Just kidding.
Tanzor
Fri, Jun 15, 2012 : 7:35 p.m.
No new library, the current building is fine. With the proliferation of E-Readers, I-Pads, wireless communication networks and the internet we may not need a library in the not too distant future. Now's not the time to spend large amounts of taxpayer money on a library when the method by which we use books and information in general is rapidly changing. Let's take a look at the proposal in a couple of years when we better understand how the library should function.
Roaring_Chicken
Fri, Jun 15, 2012 : 5:33 p.m.
Of COURSE we need a new library building! The one we have now doesn't match the new digital underground parking lot! HOW can the DDA make back its investment in parking fee revenue if people are put off the experience by that hopelessly outdated building that's now crowding it?
brimble
Fri, Jun 15, 2012 : 2:59 p.m.
0.69 mills is on the order of a 50% increase in property taxes directed to the library. The library system has a very large downtown anchor, a location at Westgate (NW), one on Oak Valley (SW), one opposite Buhr Park (SE), and one on Traverwood (NE). That's a darn fine system for a town of 100K people. Is expanding the central location the most sensible or the most cost-effective approach? Is it necessary? Will it improve the entire system by 50%? Tough to see....
DonBee
Fri, Jun 15, 2012 : 2:51 p.m.
The school district wants more The bus company wants more The library wants more The federal tax rates are going up (Bush tax cuts expiring/cut in social security taxes going away) Other entities want more money While the library might have a reasonable request. There are too many requests.
KeepingItReal
Fri, Jun 15, 2012 : 2:07 p.m.
I am a regular library patron but I seriously question whether it is wise to invest in building a new facility. With the digital movement in full swing, how long will it be before the "new" library will be out of date. I think the Library board should really give serious consideration to this question. I can see a future role for a new library that involves training patrons to function in the new digital age but it would have to smaller in size.
xmo
Fri, Jun 15, 2012 : 1:49 p.m.
Why do we need a new Brick and Mortar Library? Why not go digital and eliminate the "Old Fuddy Duddies" that are running it now? This is Ann Arbor, the place where things happen first! One of the best places to live etc etc!
Ron Granger
Fri, Jun 15, 2012 : 12:57 p.m.
I support the library, but this is over-reaching. A new building is not necessary. This is a large tax increase. Plus, replacing the library will likely disrupt services for a couple years. Fix up the building, focus on the mission.
northside
Fri, Jun 15, 2012 : 12:53 p.m.
"Library Director Josie Parker has said the building has seen better days and would require a number of improvements just to continue functioning in the future." I had no idea the downtown library was on the verge of disintegrating. Last time I was there it looked perfected fine.
yohan
Fri, Jun 15, 2012 : 11:18 a.m.
No new taxes!
Wolf's Bane
Fri, Jun 15, 2012 : 10:54 a.m.
We don't need a bigger library, we need a smarter library.