Vocal Point: SCLD offers input regarding library, city center issues

Spokane County Library District’s proposal for a new Spokane Valley Library, new Conklin Road branch and an Argonne Library expansion seriously tanked in the March 11 election.

Not only didn’t the construction bonds get the required supermajority, the library capital facility area establishment didn’t receive the simple majority it needed. The message was clear: voters didn’t want the proposed package.

The continuing series of letters to the editor since the vote points to several reasons: the economy, the impact of higher property taxes, the perceived need for the facilities and their projected cost and the link with the city of Spokane Valley.

The voice that’s been missing in this ongoing dialog is SCLD’s, specifically on the aspect of the proposal that’s generated the most comments: a new Spokane Valley Library located in the proposed city center.

The current Spokane Valley Library, loved as it is by many of its regular customers, just isn’t cutting it in the eyes of many, including people who don’t use it because of its shortcomings, as well as those of us who are responsible for operating it. There just isn’t room for the additional materials, computers, and kids’ and teens’ space that people ask for.

The often-mentioned noise level is in large part due to so much activity being crammed into such a confined space. The basement meeting room, heavily-used by a wide range of community groups, is hard to get to. And try to find a place to park during peak use periods. The plan to address these issues now – and have a building that will work well into the future – resulted in a building three times the size at a project cost of $24.9 million.

Why so much? We certainly didn’t plan to build a monument, just a solid civic building that would stand the test of time. Besides actual construction and design fees, the price tag included property acquisition, furniture, equipment, $1 million for new library materials and about $1.5 million in sales tax. The construction cost estimate, higher than for any of the 10 other libraries we’ve built or expanded, had to be further increased to accommodate anticipated double-digit construction cost inflation to the date it would be put out to bid.

What about the link with the city, proposed city center and the couplet controversy?

First, SCLD began initial planning to replace the Spokane Valley Library long before city of Spokane Valley’s incorporation; it was an SCLD project from start to finish.

Second, other than the proposed site, the current planning was independent of the city.

Third, we need three acres for the building, parking and required landscaping; it’s hard to find that much property available for development at a reasonable price.

Fourth, the U-City area was identified early in our planning process as a prime location for the new library; for many reasons Mirabeau Point and the Spokane Valley Mall weren’t.

Fifth, 21st century library planning guidelines point to city centers as ideal locations for libraries.

Sixth, SCLD intended to locate the new library on the U-City property even if the city center wasn’t developed as envisioned.

And seventh, the library has nothing to do with the couplet.

That said, and letters to the editor aside, we’d like to hear from you.

Did you have enough information?

Is there something we could have better explained?

Did you vote yes or no? Why?

Do you have any suggestions for changes in the proposed plans?

We want to make it easy for you to have your say by offering a bunch of ways to do so.

You can call 893-8248 and leave your comments. You can e-mail valleycomments@scld.org. You can go to www.scld.org, click on “Greater Spokane Valley Libraries Election: Tell Us What You Think” and blog your comments. You can fill out a community feedback form available at your library, drop it off there or mail it to Spokane Valley Comments, SCLD, 4322 N. Argonne Road, Spokane WA 99212.

Your feedback is essential in our efforts to continue offering top-notch services as well as planning for the future. We’re eager to hear from you.