Irondequoit Library Proposal Presentation for December 11, 2013

Irondequoit Public Library Proposal

Presented by Irondequoit Public
Library Board of Trustees
December 11, 2013
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
30
25
20

15
10
5
0
Brighton

Chili

Fairport

Gates


Greece

Henrietta Irondequoit Penfield

Pittsford

Webster


Town Library Sizes
50,000
43,000

45,000

38,200

40,000
Square Feet

35,000

28,100

30,000
25,000

24,000

24,700

30,000

24,000
20,000

20,000
15,000
10,000
5,000
0,000

Brighton
35,588

Fairport
46,090

Greece
94,141

Henrietta
39,028

Irondequoit
52,354

Penfield
34,645

Pittsford
27,219

Webster
37,926

Town and Population



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



Meets community needs
Plans for our future
Puts property back on tax rolls
Central location
Smart size based on studies & need

Build a new
central library
YES
YES
YES
YES
YES

Upgrade our
2 old branches
NO
NO
NO
NO
NO

Flexible and adaptable space for enhanced services

YES

NO

Expanded parking
Better facilities for individuals with mobility difficulties

YES
YES

NO
NO

Expanded hours
Drive-up book return
Potential for a coffee shop
Meets green building standards
Eligible for NYS construction grants

YES
YES
YES
YES
YES

NO
NO
NO
NO
NO

Requires duplicate materials and operating costs to
maintain
Average cost per household
(base on $100,00 house)

NO

YES

Less than $29
per year

$22 per year

Side-By-Side Comparison



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, iplboard@yahoo.com
• Library Director Terry Buford, tbuford@libraryweb.org or
call 585-336-6064


Please write questions on a card an hand to a volunteer

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME, INPUT
AND QUESTIONS


Irondequoit Library Proposal Presentation for December 11, 2013

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Irondequoit Library Proposal Presentation for December 11, 2013