Ann Arbor deserves a great downtown library!
Please vote YES for the $65m bond proposal to provide Ann Arbor with a world-class building to match its world-class library system.
The Vision
What will it offer our community?
The Vote
What will it mean for you?
Comparisons
The library, by the numbers.
An Inadequate Current Building
- Core infrastructure prohibits critical upgrades for technology, energy efficiency and proper accessibility
- Insufficient space for study, research, youth programming, archives, meetings, collections, and computers
- Originally built in 1958 and already renovated twice – it's an unsustainable framework to adapt in the 21st century
Now is the Best Time to Build
- Interest rates are near historic lows and construction costs are as low as they’ve been in years
- Advances in green building technology will significantly reduce operating and maintenance costs
- 0.56 mils = Only $56/year for a $200,000 home
Proven & Responsive Library Leadership
- Built three new branches within budget, on time and sensitive to environmental concerns
- Maintains a balanced budget and voluntarily reduced costs to taxpayers in 2009
- Has an elected, publicly accountable board of directors, separate from the City and DDA
A Dynamic New Library for Everyone
- Encourages exploration of books and discovery of digital media, offers exceptional access and exceeds efficiency standards
- Provides welcoming, well-designed spaces for study, meetings, research, hands-on learning, collaboration and more
- Public participation will factor into final design and features
The Ann Arbor community is privileged to have elected a Library Board that takes its responsibilities seriously. In responding to the wishes of Library constituents, three accessible and functional branches were built without borrowing. The board feels it is now time to replace the main Downtown Library. Carefully researched plans based on identified needs were developed in 2008 but set aside due to the economic down turn. They also wisely feel that expensive architectural drawings should not be rendered until financing is assured. It is now 2012. The plans have been re-evaluated and affirmed by local experts. Retrofitting and enlarging the existing building does not make construction or dollar sense. Our local economy has improved and stabilized. Low interest rates and available skilled labor make construction of this new community asset a sound strategic and economic decision for the benefit of greater Ann Arbor. We have waited long enough. Join me in investing in an accessible, fully functioning Downtown Library by voting yes on November 6.
" - Ingrid Sheldon, Former Mayor of Ann Arbor (Read More)
The Vision
What will it offer our community?
The Vote
What will it mean for you?
Comparisons
The library, by the numbers.An Inadequate Current Building
- Core infrastructure prohibits critical upgrades for technology, energy efficiency and proper accessibility
- Insufficient space for study, research, youth programming, archives, meetings, collections, and computers
- Originally built in 1958 and already renovated twice – it's an unsustainable framework to adapt in the 21st century
Now is the Best Time to Build
- Interest rates are near historic lows and construction costs are as low as they’ve been in years
- Advances in green building technology will significantly reduce operating and maintenance costs
- 0.56 mils = Only $56/year for a $200,000 home
Proven & Responsive Library Leadership
- Built three new branches within budget, on time and sensitive to environmental concerns
- Maintains a balanced budget and voluntarily reduced costs to taxpayers in 2009
- Has an elected, publicly accountable board of directors, separate from the City and DDA
A Dynamic New Library for Everyone
- Encourages exploration of books and discovery of digital media, offers exceptional access and exceeds efficiency standards
- Provides welcoming, well-designed spaces for study, meetings, research, hands-on learning, collaboration and more
- Public participation will factor into final design and features
The Ann Arbor community is privileged to have elected a Library Board that takes its responsibilities seriously. In responding to the wishes of Library constituents, three accessible and functional branches were built without borrowing. The board feels it is now time to replace the main Downtown Library. Carefully researched plans based on identified needs were developed in 2008 but set aside due to the economic down turn. They also wisely feel that expensive architectural drawings should not be rendered until financing is assured. It is now 2012. The plans have been re-evaluated and affirmed by local experts. Retrofitting and enlarging the existing building does not make construction or dollar sense. Our local economy has improved and stabilized. Low interest rates and available skilled labor make construction of this new community asset a sound strategic and economic decision for the benefit of greater Ann Arbor. We have waited long enough. Join me in investing in an accessible, fully functioning Downtown Library by voting yes on November 6.
" - Ingrid Sheldon, Former Mayor of Ann Arbor (Read More)
