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       We need a new library because the Main Library is only 15,000 square feet, while a library of more than 40,000 square feet is recommended for our growing population.

• Why do we need a bigger library when everything is now available through the Internet?
  Everything is not available on the Internet nor does everyone have Internet access. The Library provides access to the Internet and a wealth of additional resources, including adult and children’s materials, music, DVDs, programs and much more.

• If we build this new library, how soon will we need another new library?
  The new Main Library is expected to serve Durango and La Plata County for the next hundred years. Additional branch libraries will be built in areas of new growth, beginning with a small Grandview Branch about 2010.

• What will be done with the old library when the new one opens?
  The City will retain the building and likely use it for staff offices in the near future.

This bond vote is necessary to allow the City to finance construction of the new library.

• Didn’t we already vote to build a new library?
  In April 2005, City voters approved a new ½ cent sales tax; ¼ cent to fund open space acquisitions and ¼ cent for capital projects, the first being a new library.

• What’s the difference between a bond issue and the earlier 2A tax vote?
  The bond issue provides the funds to build a new library. The earlier 2A tax vote approval provides the funds to pay off the bonds.

• Why not accumulate sales-tax revenue rather than issue bonds?
  The present library is too small to meet current needs of residents, construction costs are increasing rapidly and it would take several years to save up sufficient funds.

• What if the bond issue doesn’t pass?
  The City will determine why the issue didn’t pass, address concerns and try again.

• Why do only City voters get to vote on this issue when County residents use the library too?
  While the library serves all residents of La Plata County, it is a City department and the City will be issuing the bonds.

The new library, including the site development, is expected to cost in the neighborhood of $13 million.

• Will all of the necessary money come from the bond issue?
  The bond proceeds will be supplemented by governmental and corporate grants as well as donations.

• What is the cost of purchasing the site and are any of the costs included in the bond?
  The site itself costs $3.6 million and this cost is included in the bond.

• Will the new library have higher operating costs? How will these be paid for?
  Sustainable building practices are being used to minimize operating costs for the new library; however, it will be close to three times larger than the current library, and therefore likely will have higher operating costs. Operating costs are shared 50/50 by the City and the County.

The new library will be built on the site of the old Mercy Hospital.

• Why did the City choose the Mercy site for the new library? What other sites were considered and discarded?
  Some 20 sites were considered over the past six years; the Mercy site is in a neighborhood with a park-like setting close to downtown, is easily accessible by all modes of transportation including the Animas River Trail and has great views of our river. Other sites seriously considered included the old Mason School, the Power Plant and the Bank of Colorado building. These and other sites were either inadequate or too expensive.

• Will the library use all of the property being purchased?
  The Mercy site being purchased by the City includes room for the new library and three to four additional public benefit use buildings and associated parking.

• Why doesn’t the City just remodel the old Mercy Hospital for the library rather than demolishing it?
  The old hospital needed more than $17 million in infrastructure improvements – an amount in excess of the cost of building a new library and other future public use structures on the site.

The new library will be built by the end of 2008.

• When will construction begin and the new library open?
  With passage of the bond, groundbreaking will occur by early summer 2007 with occupancy expected by the end of 2008.

Durango voters passed ballot measure 2A to build the new library by a wide margin.

• Who is pushing for passage of this bond issue and what are their interests?
  Library patrons who regularly use the library recognize that the current facility is woefully inadequate to serve our community and they desire a state-of-the-art facility for our current and future residents of all ages – especially for our children.

• Who opposes this bond issue and why?
  No organized opposition is known.

• Who’s designing and building this library?
  The architectural firm of Barker-Rinker-Seacat, which specializes in libraries and community architecture, is leading the design effort assisted by a broad team of professional library and technology planners, engineers, landscaped designers and construction specialists.

• Are local architects, engineers, builders and other contractors or suppliers involved?
  Many members of the team live in Durango and La Plata County, including staff with DHM Design, Bechtolt Engineering, Okland Construction and Earthly Ideas.
  
  More information about the new library, including design plans and public comments about the building, are on the library Web site: www.durangopubliclibrary.org.