The Building Buck Doesn't Stop Here

Rumors to the contrary, the bucks for library capital improvement projects don't seem to be stopping anywhere or any time soon. The 212 public library buildings (completed between July 1, 2001 and June 30, 2002) cost more than $788.4 million. If libraries aren't alive and well, our nationwide accounting system needs an audit.

In many cases, we are seeing the results of previously approved bond issues. Our cover project, the Ypsilanti District Library, MI ($15.1M, 60,000 s.f.), was financed by a $17M referenda. Assistant Director Kathleen Evans Daly described the complex task of winning funds in her working-class community, generally lost in the shadow of the more affluent Ann Arbor, and the pride residents feel in their new library.

The funding for the 101 new buildings and the 111 addition/renovation projects featured here came predominantly from local sources, to the tune of $675.5M, or 87 percent of total funding. Running a very distant second were charitable contributions/gift funds at $60M, or eight percent. Federal and state coffers totaled five percent of funding.

Though the money seems to be abundant, the number of public library projects ties the third lowest count in 14 years. Only FY98 and FY99 had fewer total projects, with 197 and 195, respectively. Several large projects stand out this year, including the huge new Central Library of the Memphis & Shelby County Public Library and Information Center ($65.3M, 330,000 s.f.). The Cerritos Library, CA, coming in at $47M and 89,000 s.f. and the Berkeley Central Library, CA, addition/renovation at $38M, 102,000 s.f., outpaced the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, KS ($24.3M, 178,600 s.f.); Worcester Public Library, MA ($23.3M, 145,688 s.f.); and Riverfront Branch, Yonkers Public Library, NY ($22.8M, 70,410 s.f.).

When it comes to innovation, in terms of funding or construction, many of these projects excel. The Plymouth Public Library, IN, reaped the benefits of an Indiana state lottery. The Iberia Parish Library, New Iberia, LA, used its former bookmobile garage as a room to house a jazz collection dedicated to musician Willie "Bunk" Johnson. The new Rep. David J. Mayernik Avalon Public Library, PA, arose out of a "converted" church. Cooperative projects still satisfy the needs of many communities, with libraries cohabiting with town halls, schools, and firehouses.

Among the 34 academic projects featured here are the Library, Research, & Information Technology Center at Nova Southeastern University, Ft. Lauderdale, FL ($44.3M, 325,000 s.f.); the E.B. House Undergraduate Library at the University of North Carolina–Chapel Hill ($11.8M, 66,000 s.f.); and the Brooklyn College, NY, addition/renovation ($72.5M, 277,650 s.f.).

While several capital projects have been put on hold owing to overall budget constraints across the country, many libraries reported approval of capital referenda in last month's elections. Nevertheless, the concerns of librarians and their communities do not stop at the threshold of a newly built or renovated structure. As many jurisdictions are now realizing, economics affects libraries beyond brick and mortar. Municipalities have conjoined with libraries to create accessible facilities and must continue to work to keep them funded.