New Atlanta library money passes hurdle
July 18, 2008 at 3:06 pm by Ken Edelstein in NewsFulton County commissioners have approved a $275 bond referendum that would pay among other things for a new downtown library — a development that seems to have escaped the attention of most Atlanta media.
According to a press release sent out by Commissioner Robb Pitts, the main advocate for replacing the downtown library:
If approved, the bonds would provide funding for the detailed Library Facility Master Plan, which includes 8 new libraries, expansion of 2 libraries, and renovation of 23 libraries. The bond issue also includes $84 million for the construction of a new Central Library, with the remaining (approximately $85 million) coming from private funds.
Spokeswoman Kelly Robinson said the commission vote was missed by most major media, although a couple of broadcast outlets caught wind of it.
But the AJC did have an interesting column today by Cynthia Rogers, arguing that the current downtown library ought to be renovated rather than replaced. I agree with her. The problem with the building is less about a flawed design than about how the building’s been allowed to deteriorate (and the fact it’s been bathed in urine for the last two decades) .
Why not spend a quarter as much money improving the grounds of the existing library and making it a civic space we can be proud of?
Here’s the rest of the press release from Robinson:
Fulton County Board of Commissioners Approves Authorization for 2008 Library Bond Referendum
Atlanta – On November 4, 2008 Fulton County voters will vote on a $275 million bond referendum for the construction, expansion and renovation of their public libraries.
If approved, the bonds would provide funding for the detailed Library Facility Master Plan, which includes 8 new libraries, expansion of 2 libraries, and renovation of 23 libraries. The bond issue also includes $84 million for the construction of a new Central Library, with the remaining (approximately $85 million) coming from private funds.
The library’s master plan was developed over the course of 24 months and included a series of public input sessions throughout the county. The plan maintains 34 libraries, the current number of libraries in the system, by eliminating leased spaces and its oldest libraries. Fulton County last issued a library bond in 1988.
“I am glad that the Board took this opportunity to demonstrate vision and leadership,” said Commissioner Robb Pitts (District 2, At-Large). “The cost for average homeowners will be less than the cost of a cup of coffee every month. Certainly an investment in the education of our children is worth that and more.”
“A public private partnership will not only make the new Central Library more financially feasible, but it presents an opportunity for private citizens and the business and philanthropic community to demonstrate their support for their library system,” said Commissioner Nancy A. Boxill (District 6). “I am confident that our community will step forward to build a central library that is as outstanding as the vibrant community in which it is located.”
John F. Szabo, Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System Director, said, “This is a great day for libraries and for the Fulton County citizens who value what libraries bring to their community. We are grateful for the leadership of the Board of Commissioners in recognizing the importance of public libraries and to the citizens who continue to voice their support and opinions. We are one step closer to having the world-class library system we know Fulton County residents want and deserve.”
A summary of the Library Master Plan is available on the Atlanta-Fulton Public Library System website, www.afpls.org.
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July 18th, 2008 at 6:50 pm
Seems perfectly reasonable to blow $275 million on libraries when there is a budget shortfall of $140 million. I suppose that living beyond your means is taught by the government’s example. It’s a good way to keep them under your thumb. Way to go, Atlanta!
July 20th, 2008 at 7:48 am
Brett - You’re mixing up municipalities.
The bond referendum for libraries is a Fulton County initiative. The budget shortfall to which you refer is a City of Atlanta thing.
July 20th, 2008 at 3:45 pm
Nonetheless, is it really necessary to spend $275 million on 8 new libraries, expanding 2 and renovating 23? Are there really that many people in Fulton County that are busting down the doors to read for FREE? The last time I went to a library, I was one of 5 people. 3 of those people were librarians. This was on a Saturday afternoon, so there weren’t any pesky interferences like work or school to keep the readers away.
July 20th, 2008 at 9:23 pm
People still go to libraries?