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In
April 2005, city voters approved a one-half cent increase in the
local sales tax. One quarter cent of the increase is dedicated to
parks, trails and open space acquisition. The other one quarter
cent is dedicated for city capital improvements, including a new
public library. The one half cent increase is for a 20 year
period. The city has been collecting funds generated by the sales
tax since July 2005. Colorado’s Constitution requires the city to
gain voter approval to sell bonds in the amount of $15,890,000
necessary to finance the purchase of the former Mercy hospital
campus and the construction of the library, pledging revenues from
the sales tax to repay the bonds. Referred Measure 2A is not a tax
increase; it grants the city permission to sell the bonds. A simple
analogy is like buying a home; most people do not have cash in hand
to pay the total sales price. So they take out a mortgage loan and
pay for the house over a specified time period.
From early to mid
2006, numerous public meetings were held seeking input into the
scope and design of a new library building. Over 1000 comments and
suggestions were received. The proposed library design reflects
those community desires. A two story building of approximately
42,000 square feet will be located on the former hospital site
overlooking the Animas River. As proposed, this 21st
Century library will feature:
Space
for enhanced collections of all types
Dedicated
areas for children and young adults
The latest
technology throughout the building
A children’s
story time area and outdoor patio
A quiet
interior reading room and outdoor reading gardens
Flexible
program space which may also be used for public meetings
A design which
enhances public access and permits staff to work efficiently
A Southwest
History area
Group study
rooms
Community
gathering spaces
A small retail
space for Friends of the Library
A coffee cart
Public art
Future
expansion capability
ADA access
from the Animas River Trail
Parking for
cars, bikes and strollers
Convenient
in-lobby and drive-up book drops
Sustainable
design features appropriate for our geographic location and
long-term operating efficiencies
Compare
this to the present century-old, antiquated, cramped 15,000 square
foot building, where for years the book collection has not been able
to grow, and where there is inadequate space for young adult
collections and activities, extremely limited space for children’s
story time and other programs, limited seating, and only a few
on-street paid parking spaces. Durango needs and deserves a quality
new library for the 21st Century. The library is a vital
educational, recreational and quality of life resource for Durango
and the entire region. City voters approved the funding for a new
library with the approval of the sales tax increase in 2005. Now,
please join in authorizing the city to sell the bonds necessary to
build our new public library.
Meet the Campaign Committee: Citizens Supporting A Quality Durango
Space
for enhanced collections of all types 
Compare
this to the present century-old, antiquated, cramped 15,000 square
foot building, where for years the book collection has not been able
to grow, and where there is inadequate space for young adult
collections and activities, extremely limited space for children’s
story time and other programs, limited seating, and only a few
on-street paid parking spaces. Durango needs and deserves a quality
new library for the 21st Century. The library is a vital
educational, recreational and quality of life resource for Durango
and the entire region. City voters approved the funding for a new
library with the approval of the sales tax increase in 2005. Now,
please join in authorizing the city to sell the bonds necessary to
build our new public library. 