irondequoit library proposal presentation for december 11, 2013

Presented by Irondequoit Public Library Board of Trustees

December 11, 2013

Irondequoit Public Library Proposal

Vote Saturday, December 14 www.LibraryProposal.com

Why are we voting again?

• After voters overwhelmingly approved the referendum in April, 7 residents sued the town

• To avoid a long and costly lawsuit, the town’s attorney advised the town to re-do the environmental review

• The residents then agreed to end the lawsuit

• Another vote was not required, but all town bond resolutions are subject to a permissive referendum

• A petition was filed to force a second vote, so the town scheduled new referendum for Saturday, December 14


Has anything changed?

• After receiving feedback from residents at 21 public information sessions in the spring, the building was scaled back to 40,000 sq. ft.

• This single change will:

– Create a smaller foot print

– Preserve more green space

– Allow for additional parking

• Nothing else has changed


A New Central Library

• A new building with up to 40,000 sq. ft.

• Will complement the Town Hall architecture

• Larger spaces for library operations

• Flexible meeting room space for:

– Library programs

– Programs by other town departments

– Community organizations

• Possible revenue producing operations


Not Meeting Library User Needs

• Last major renovation or expansion was 1985

• Inadequate space and facilities

• Cosmetic improvements do not address the issues

• Renovations are not a long-term solution

• Lack of space affects operations and public use

• Upkeep for current buildings costs $44,000 per year

• Two out-dated library branches still require duplicative services for janitors, trash collection, snow removal.


Years Since MCLS Libraries Built New or Completed Major Renovations


0

5

10

15

20

25

30

Brighton Chili Fairport Gates Greece Henrietta Irondequoit Penfield Pittsford Webster

24,000 24,700

38,200

20,000

24,000

28,10030,000

43,000

0,000

5,000

10,000

15,000

20,000

25,000

30,000

35,000

40,000

45,000

50,000

Brighton 35,588

Fairport 46,090

Greece 94,141

Henrietta 39,028

Irondequoit 52,354

Penfield 34,645

Pittsford 27,219

Webster 37,926

Sq

ua

re F

ee

t

Town and Population

Town Library Sizes


Why Town Hall Campus?

• This is the central location

• Saves the cost of purchasing land

• Avoids removing land from property tax rolls

• Can be safely reached on foot or bicycle

• Parking, traffic and festivals are not a problem: – Adequate parking per SEQRA study done this summer

– DPW parking is moving, freeing up more spaces

– Traffic studies will ensure safety and easy access

– Fourth of July celebration will still be at Town Hall


A Central Location


Library and Services are Improved

• Evolving to meet the community’s needs

• Leading shift from content storage to creation

• Providing adequate space for: – Access for patrons with mobility difficulties

– Modern and handicap accessible restrooms

– Dedicated teen and children’s areas

– More seating, computers and workspaces

– Enforced quiet areas for serious study

– Community meetings, teaching and programming


Survey Says: Libraries Matter

2013 Pew Research study finds:

• Top reason people visit libraries is to borrow materials

• Second highest answer is to use the Internet or Wi-Fi

• 60% of young adults still visit the library often

• 80% of Americans say borrowing books is important

• 80% say reference librarians are an important service

• 77% say free access to computers and the internet is a “very important” library service


Libraries Aren’t Going Away

Coffee makers haven’t put coffee shops out of business

iPads and e-books haven’t made libraries obsolete


Libraries Mean Business

“The Irondequoit Chamber of Commerce recognizes that a 21st century central library will offer the types of valued services and amenities that attracts home buyers, retains homeowners, and keeps the business and spending power of residents in the Irondequoit community…for the good of our merchants and the good of our residents, the Irondequoit Chamber of Commerce endorses this long overdue plan to improve our town with a new central library.”


Cost of a New Library

• The bond will be for up to $13 million dollars – This costs less than expanding both branches

• Passing the bond would equal an increase of less than $29 per year (including interest) for the average $100,000 home – 29 cents per $1,000 of assessed value

– $2.42 per month

• Figures are for a 30-year bond with 3.8% rate

• This takes advantage of very low interest rates


Additional Funding Resources

• Fundraising committee with library trustees and community members has been established

• 1st Annual BBQ & Blues for Books fundraiser was a major success

• Grants are available and will be applied for to reduce costs

• Evans Branch (Cooper Rd) likely reverts back to the West Irondequoit Central School District due to deed restrictions – Eligible to be sold by the district

• McGraw Branch (Ridge Rd) will be sold and proceeds will help pay costs above the bond (current assessment is $1.1 million)


Doing Nothing Isn’t Cheap

• Existing buildings desperately need updating

• Making a few of the most-needed repairs and upgrades costs $2,230,140, but adds no space

• Long-term improvements, such as electrical upgrades and better restrooms, costs $6,169,020, but adds no space



Side-By-Side Comparison Build a new

central library

Upgrade our

2 old branches

Meets community needs YES NO

Plans for our future YES NO

Puts property back on tax rolls YES NO

Central location YES NO

Smart size based on studies & need YES NO

Flexible and adaptable space for enhanced services YES NO

Expanded parking YES NO

Better facilities for individuals with mobility difficulties YES NO

Expanded hours YES NO

Drive-up book return YES NO

Potential for a coffee shop YES NO

Meets green building standards YES NO

Eligible for NYS construction grants YES NO

Requires duplicate materials and operating costs to

maintain

NO YES

Average cost per household

(base on $100,00 house)

Less than $29

per year

$22 per year

Why Not Expand Both Branches?

• $13.7 million to expand both library branches, per 2012 report by Passero Associates – It would cost nearly $1 million more

than building a new central library

– Existing branches were not designed for expansion

• Maintaining both branches makes taxpayers pay for duplicate services and materials

• Building a new central library is the most fiscally responsible decision


What if the Bond is not Approved?

• If the referendum does not pass, the Library Board will be forced to make difficult decisions about the future of both branches

• A “No” vote does not guarantee both branches will remain open


We Want You To Decide

• Vote Saturday, December 14

– Polls are open from 9am-6pm

• One polling place for all residents

– Christ the King School, 445 Kings Hwy S

• You must be a registered voter

– You will be required to provide ID

• Absentee Ballots are available

– Request one form the Town Clerk, 585-336-6045


Get Informed

Information: • Held 23 public information meetings this year • Videos, questions & answers posted on website • Also available in print at each branch Online: • Visit www.libraryproposal.com for info • Follow on Twitter @LibraryProposal • “Like” New Irondequoit Library Proposal on Facebook Contact: • Library Board, [email protected] • Library Director Terry Buford, [email protected] or

call 585-336-6064


THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME, INPUT AND QUESTIONS

Please write questions on a card an hand to a volunteer


irondequoit library proposal presentation for december 11, 2013

Education

new library

town library sizes

new central library

library user

programming vote

century central library

library programs programs

important library servicevote