Library Decision Time

By Louise Dustrude

Decision time is approaching for the San Juan Island Library: whether to try to upgrade in place or move to a new location. Just one site is currently under consideration for the “new location” — the Public Works property next door to the current library.

Some 85 residents attended one of three open houses to learn of the possibilities and voted (with little round blue, yellow, and red stickers) quite overwhelmingly for the new location. No one at all voted for the third alternative of “do nothing.”

Factors which have obviously influenced both the board and the public include the need for more space and the difficulty or impossibility of expanding the current building; the current and potential problems with the foundation, the walls and insulation, and drainage issues in the basement; and the tight parking.

Mark Madsen talks to the public – Carrie Lacher photo

Mark Madsen, a member of the library’s board of trustees, explained their reasoning, and answered a dozen or so questions from the public on Monday afternoon. He said the library has no debt, and that the building would be financed by (1) some public grant funding, (2) a private fund-raising campaign, which has already raised over $100,000, and (3) “probably a bond issue.”

A ballpark estimate of the construction cost for the building itself, not including such soft costs as permitting and furnishing, is approximately $8.1 million. One caveat Madsen pointed out is that “selling the existing building might require us to bring it up to code.”

The library board has considered a number of sites, but all of those closer to downtown obviously carry a higher price, and the board puts a high priority on keeping the land cost low.

In addition, fortuitously, the county’s Public Works building next door is coming on the market soon. “The county has a firm plan to move out of the building,” Madsen said.

Questions included whether the board had explored the possibility of a joint use building with another public or private entity, and Madsen said yes, they had, but there are numerous complications of timing, funding sources, and legalities.

“What kind of clean-up [of the Public Works site] will be needed?” was a major question, and Madsen said that would have to be explored, but that Public Works would be required to clean it up before selling to anyone.

Another question was whether the facility would be more pedestrian-friendly; that is, could a person walk in to the front door without having to dodge cars in the parking lot, and the answer was an unequivocal “Yes!”

Madsen introduced two members of the architectural firm SHKS, chosen by the board to assess the facility condition and requirements, David Strauss and Hannah Allender, and they responded to questions as well.

Strauss said that the current building has been “remarkably well maintained,” but that many problems remain.

The library board plans to make a decision on what path to pursue at its June 12 board meeting set for 3 pm in the library’s meeting room.

In addition to the three open houses the board has tried to keep the public informed through newsletters, press releases, public work sessions, and its annual report. A display of the options will go up in the library today.

Librarian Laurie Orton said yesterday, “We still hope to hear from more people.” She’s been here five years, and says she definitely plans to stay.

Members of the library board in addition to Madsen are Fred Henley, Karen Vedder, Barry Jacobson, and Lynn Weber/Roochvarg. New members are appointed by the county council after recommendation by the existing board.

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