Why does the Ely Public Library Need to Expand?
There are several key reasons supporting the expansion of the current library:
- Community feedback has consistently identified the need for a larger, fully ADA-compliant community space
- Increased demand for program, meeting, and event space
- Insufficient quiet areas within the current facility
- Limited reading and study spaces for students and the public
- Shelving that is not optimally accessible due to height constraints
- Inadequate spacing between book stacks, limiting accessibility for patrons with disabilities
- We offer over 1,000 programs annual on site with attendance over 20,000
- Last year we were over capacity 77% of the time during our 2:00 pm programs
Why can't the library utilize St. John Church or the Legion spaces?
While we appreciate the community support and occasional access to spaces like the Legion and St. John Church, these locations are not a sustainable solution for ongoing library programming. In the past, we have encountered several challenges when holding programs offsite:
- Accessibility limitations: Some patrons who regularly attend programs use wheelchairs and cannot easily access certain facilities, particularly the Legion. Ensuring equitable access is a priority for the library.
- Increased staffing demands: Offsite programming requires additional staff time for transporting materials, setup, and teardown. Currently, we operate with only two staff members scheduled at a time, making this difficult to sustain.
- Additional costs:
- Staff time and potential need for extra staffing
- Rental fees for space (when not donated)
- Even when spaces are offered free of charge, there are real costs incurred by the host site (staffing, cleaning, utilities), which limits availability
- Limited availability: Community spaces such as City Hall and others are frequently in use, making consistent scheduling of library programs challenging.
- Program visibility and identity: Hosting events at multiple locations can create confusion about who is sponsoring the program and may reduce attendance and community engagement.
For these reasons, while partnerships remain valuable for occasional events, they cannot replace the need for adequate, dedicated library space to consistently and effectively serve our community.
What about parking?
The Library Board, Director, and staff are very aware of the parking challenges in downtown Ely during certain peak dates and hours. As is our current practice, staff will continue to consider city-wide events when scheduling library programs. The Library will continue to encourage and direct patrons to use the parking lots by the Legion and City Hall when attending programs or when renting the community room.
Will the library need an increase in operating budget for the expansion?
The Library Board designed the addition to accommodate current staffing levels, ensuring no increase in personnel is required. The only additional operational costs would be for utilities and janitorial services.
I don't use the library. How will I benefit?
The quality of a community’s library, schools, parks, and city services directly impacts both overall quality of life and property values. A vibrant library attracts visitors from surrounding areas, encouraging engagement with local services and businesses.
How much will this cost? How will it be paid for?
The totaly estimated cost for the library expansion is $2.7 million.
The project will be funded through:
- Grants
- Fundraising
- Donations/Pledges
- Bond referendum, if passed at vote.
Why a referendum?
A referendum places the decision directly in the hands of the community. It enables the City to secure financing when needed while also allowing time for fundraising and grant opportunities that can reduce the overall amount borrowed.
How much will this cost me as a homeowner?
If the full amount is borrowed, a homeowner with a home assessed value of $200,000, the tax rate will increase approximately $11.24 per month ($134.86 annually) to pay off the $2,250,000.00 general obligation library bonds over the next 15 years. Once paid, the GO Bond will drop off the tax bill. Please see the chart below for more examples. Market Value notes: Your fair cash value is supposed to represent the market value of your land and home. In most cases this value is understated. Newly purchased homes tend to be less understated than those which have been occupied by owners for a longer period of time.
Estimated Cost to Property Owners for Library Expansion
|
Home Assessed Value
|
Estimated Added Monthly Cost
|
Estimated Added Annual Cost
|
|
$100,000
|
$5.62
|
$67.43
|
|
$200,000
|
$11.24
|
$134.86
|
|
$300,000
|
$16.86
|
$202.30
|
|
$400,000
|
$22.48
|
$269.72
|
|
$500,000
|
$28.10
|
$337.15
|
|
$600,000
|
$33.72
|
$404.58
|
Will there be community information sessions for this project?
Yes! There will be many opportunities to learn and provide feedback about this project.
Open Houses will be a more formal presentation about the process, project and timelines. Questions will be answered and suggestions gathered. These occur at the library monthly on different days of the week.
We will also be holding several Pop-Up sessions. These are more informal gatherings to address any questions and gather suggestions regarding the Library Expansion and Community Center Project. These take place at various locations city-wide concurrently with other events.