Written by The council and mayor had a two-and-a-half hour meeting yesterday to discuss future options and opportunities for our library system.
While we don’t have a lot of money to throw around right now, we recognize that we need to create a long-term plan very soon for two reasons:
(1) Our current downtown library and highlands library are both getting lots of use, and have not seen major updates in decades. Meanwhile, our infill population has been growing fast (in places like the Landing), and we have annexed many new neighborhoods like Benson Hill. Furthermore, a rough economy historically increases library use.
(2) Perhaps even more pressing (planning wise), we are seeing incorporation drives in Fairwood and on the West Hill. Both of these areas currently get library service from the King County Library System. Furthermore, both of the areas are actually paying extra taxes, on voter approved bonds, for the King County Library System to remodel and update the libraries in their areas (Fairwood and Skyway). Residents in both areas are asking what annexation would mean to their future libaray service, and we would like to know the answer to the question.
So, with these pressures in mind, we looked at volumes of data yesterday, including citizen suggestions, a consultants study, staff recommendations, a library board recommendation, and many other items, and had a rip-roaring talk about what we want to do with our libraries.
After hours of discussion, we arrived at four basic options (some council members would say it was three, with two variants on one option, but I will call it four options.)
Option A: Do nothing.
Keep buying some new books each year, and maintaining existing buildings, out of our general fund for a cost of about 18 cents per thousand dollars of assessed valuation. ($18 per year per $100,000 of assessed valuation). With this option, residents can continue to use King County libraries under a reciprocal agreement (which my lovely wife Cathy helped put in place while she was on Library Board…yay!). The reciprocal agreement requires a fee to King County, to keep things fair, which amounts to about $250,000 per year–also paid out of general fund.
All 82,000 residents of Renton get a Renton library card and are eligible to receive free King County Library cards.
Option B: Remodel existing downtown and highlands libraries, with burst of new books and new equipment
This option includes the elements of Option A, but would ask voters to additionally approve a bond for significant updating of the buildings and equipment in both libraries, as well as a one-time burst of new books for both facilities. The bond value and total work scope could be further refined, but I estimate that a bond of 5 to 10 cents per thousand (five to ten dollars for $100,000 of home value), for ten years, would give us a pretty nice remodel.
Option C: Build larger, new-generation Renton Libraries under our own Renton Library system (while maintaining a reciprocal agreement)
We would build all-new buildings in downtown and the highlands, to house a significantly expanded book collection, other new print materials, and technology. The buildings would also include other elements requested by citizens such as meeting rooms, class rooms, coffee bars, etc.
With our growing population, the downtown library could be roughly the size of the Bellevue King County Library (the largest branch of the king County System).
This option would cost us the existing $18 per $100,000 asseses valuation that we currently pay for library service, plus an additional $21 per $100,000 for the capital expenses of building, plus an additional $17 per $100,000 for the extra staff and maintenance costs of the larger libraries, for a total of $56 per $100,000 in home value.
Hence, if you live in a $300,000 house, your total library cost would be $168 per year; $54 of which is already coming out of our general fund (you wouldn’t see a change in this part); plus a bond that costs $63 per year for 20 years for the new buildings; plus an operations levy of $51 per year to cover the additional new service.
Put another way, this option would cost you $114 more per year, until the new-building bonds were paid off–at which time the increase would drop to $51 more per year than today. (In today’s dollars)
Option D: Build a new downtown library, and join the King County Library System
In this option, we would work with King County to get agreement that we would build a new library downtown, probably close the highlands branch (which is only 6800 square feet and not big enough for them to efficiently manage), and then join the King County Library System to manage our library. All residents in the city would be assessed the $39 per $100,000 fee that King County charges for library service. Hence, the owner of a $300,000 home would pay $107 per year for operation of the library under this plan.
The new library would most likely have to be paid for by our residents, to “buy into” the King County System. We feel we could devote the current $18 dollars per $100,000 we have budgeted for library in our general fund for this purpose, so the new library bonds would be taken care of by our exisiting budget.
Hence, this option is almost the exact same cost as Option C. It integrates us fully with the King County library, but gets us a slightly smaller library downtown and probably eliminates the branch in the highlands. On the plus side, it makes it simple to understand our relationship with KCLS–we are one and the same, which makes annexations easier. On the negative side, we are stuck with whatever cost increases KCLS might pass along in the future, and we can not be as personal about our choices of services, books, and policies.
As a final note, we would work hard with this option to ensure that our personnel would get picked up by King County, so that we could enjoy familiar faces at the library and our employees would be taken care of.
COUNCIL DISCUSSED all these options and more, and considered all facets of each option; questions like what about existing library bonds in Fairwood and Skyway (residents still have to pay them…about $20 per year on a $300,000 house), what about King County’s shortfalls in revenues, what would be the timing and priority, etc.)
In the end, just about everyone of us flip-flopped back and forth on whether we should remain independant, or join King County. Data shows that you, the residents, have very mixed feelings about this as well. Many of you like the larger print collection of the Renton system, and the shorter wait times, but many of you also like the expansive collection of the total King County System. Then there is the argument that the reciprocal agreement can give us both…at least as long as it can be kept in place, and nothing seems to be threatening to change it.
The Library board and staff have both looked at this puzzle already, and both gave the recommendation to remaining independent…but with a deep understanding of those who want to join King County.
I have to say that at the time of this writing I am leaning towards remaining independent, and starting to do the early planning on two new buildings to be brought forward for citizen vote when the economy improves. But that is how I feel tonight.
My wife Cathy will be getting all this info for the first time when she reads this blog. She has been asking me for the data, but I said it was too complicated to explain, and she would have to wait until I wrote it down. So Cathy, let me know what you think in the comment section below 🙂
And all the rest of you, if you made it through this….Tell me what you would prefer for the future of our library system!
Thanks,
Randy
Two systems
I use and enjoy both library systems. I can’t say I prefer one over the other…I really like having both. I think at this time option D is too risky. If King County is running out of money for parks what is to stop them from cutting way back on the libraries?
If Fairwood does annex to Renton, is there a way for King County to keep the Fairwood Library?
Re: Two systems
Yes! Thanks for the question Cathy! The County will keep Fairwood Library, no matter what we do. It serves King County residents even outside of the potential Fairwood annexation, and it would be too expensive to build anywhere else. So, in all these plans it would stay in place and be run by King County..and Renton residents will maintain access through reciprocal agreement (options A, B, and C) or by merging with the system (Option D).
Re: Two systems
And make sure we’re clear on this: King County Library System has NOTHING to do with our King County government. It just uses “King County” in the name–it’s completely separate.
Re: Two systems
I’m hoping you can make this fact very clear in your discussions of this. The library system is independent of county government (which might explain why it’s doing so well at a time when the county is falling apart on other duties!)
In any event, more info can be found at the following links:
http://www.kcls.org/about/annualreport/
http://www.kcls.org/about/annualreport/archives/2007%20YIR%20Insert%20final.pdf
I would love to see option D. I think joining the county system would allow us to preserve some of our cherished local aspects (diversity in collections, staff) while giving us the opportunity for new facilities and (even more of a plus!) expanded hours. The Bellevue Regional Library (mentioned previously) is open until 9 many nights and is even open on Sundays–a prime homework day for many students! 🙂 I love the collection size of KCLS, I love the different resources, and I love the facilities. Now I’d love to see them in our community. Some things are worth paying for, especially since (as it was also pointed out) when we all have less money to spend, the library gets used more.
Re: Two systems
I also like having both. I’ve had situations where KCLS had a lengthy waiting list for a book I wanted, while the Renton library had it on the shelf.
A or B makes most sense in current conditions
I get it that we need to invest into city services, however, if this were part of an “open call” for programs needing better funding, I think we’d see a whole host of menu options from different departments come forward, including needs for transportation and utilities infrastructure upgrades, Police or Fire facilities needs (what about the future Kennydale station?), or the long-term maintenance of city-owned facilities (at some point in the next 20 years the senior center and/or community center should possibly be upgraded, remodeled, etc.)
I could better accept a plan to increase my property taxes if I knew we wouldn’t be hit-up for a park bond, school bond, 9-1-1 bond, in years to come, especially given market conditions and our 401Ks dropping THOUSANDS in value in a fraction of the time it took to build them up.
I use the Renton libraries, and see the benefit, however, I don’t think timing is right for changing things just yet.
Option F
Keep intependant! The Renton system has much better hours of operations than KCLS!
Working people deserve a working library – The KCLS only work for hobos and house-fraus due to their short working hours.
Ok…. explain to me why exactly we *need* new buildings. The Downtown Renton library could be bought back to it’s architectural roots – it’s an amazing building that’s been covered in 30 years of debris. Give me $250,000 and a dumpster and I could get it looking like the modern building it is.
The main function of a library is to provide enlightenment through the written word. To do that, you need a lot of book and a building that *stays open* – If we took option B and but spent the money on service and not buildings I’d be very happy.
….
There’s a bunch of companies that are trying to become the “Netflix of Books” – maby we could contract with them instead of the KCLS for extra book choices – here’s one:
http://www.bookswim.com/
Re: Option F
Get an engineer there – it looks like the library was designed to have another level added on top. It’s really over-engineered – looks intentional.
Egad…. $350 per year?!? If you spent the same money at “Bookswim” you’d could have eighteen books at a time, mailed and returned free of charge out of a huge catalog.
If you’re going to spend $350 per year – just shut the libraries down and buy each family a subscription to one of the private libraries like Bookswim.
I’m kinda kidding, but given the numbers you can see how bloated this service is getting when private companies can provide a better selection, give door-to-door service and still make a profit.
Re: Option F
Yeah the Renton library is unigue for a building that is 30+ years old (probably closer to 40 then 30). But can permits be gotten to build over a river these days? If I am wrong please someone correct me. Plus how is the 62 hours that Renton Library (downtown) more then the 75 hours that Fairwood library is open per week?
Would Renton have to build a new library or donate the building downtown which could be used with internal rebuilding?
Dave
Re: Option F
I came from Bellevue, where the small KCLS library closed at 6pm: The Renton Library and the Issaquah KCLS library seem to have the same hours – so my time-based slings at the KCLS are apparently unwarranted.
Re: Option F
The main function of a library is to provide enlightenment through the written word.
I see where you’re coming from, but I think your statement that in order to provide that you need a lot of books is erroneous. Quite a bit of information (yes, even quality information!) is found in various methods. KCLS has the ability to access resources that Renton can only dream of having the budget for. For instance:
http://www.kcls.org/ecollection/
http://www.kcls.org/databases/
http://www.mangolanguages.com/lesson (KCLS has a subscription)
And the list goes on. In the end, it comes down to where the money is. And I think the time has come to look honestly at the cost/benefit analysis of keeping our own system versus opening ourselves to the possibilities of joining the county.
In any event, there’s no requirement that the “lot of books” be on site–KCLS has a ton of books, easy for the accessing.
Just my $.02.
–LiW
I would prefer seeing the library system become part of the County system — new building in the downtown core, and then at least one (maybe two) satellite brances elsewhere in the city. Take a look at what KCLS has done in Crossroads: they found an empty storefront and put in a branch library there. The times I go by, it looks like there are quite a few people in there. It’s a great way to get books to the people where they are, and also match library resources to the population in the area.
This could easily be done in the Highlands to replace that branch, and would be a good way to get a library to Benson Hill. Libraries don’t need to be standalone buildings… malls work just as well. For example, there’s an empty storefront in the Safeway complex on NE 4th, where the Dollar Store used to be. Think of that as a library.
I agree with that. I know there’s a KCLS Library Connection at Southcenter, but I’ve never been in there (never needed to). I happened to be in the one at Crossroads a couple of weeks ago, though, and I was really impressed with the idea of a storefront library branch and the way they carried it out. Rather than having large amounts of shelves filled with books, they had some standard shelves with books and then several shelves where the book covers faced out to draw people in. The books there seemed to be a mix of general new fiction and then fiction and non-fiction geared to appeal to the community–in the Crossroads case, a hugely multicultural community, so I noticed a lot of books in different languages. There seemed to be a nice selection of magazines, again in different languages, and a number of computer workstations. Every staff member I saw was actively helping patrons, whether it was on a workstation (finding a title, at least in once instance), or with a book. There’s a nice little kids’ section too–nothing elaborate, but a little area to cozy up. I’m guessing they do a busy business in helping people place holds and then checking those books out when they come in, which, given KCLS’s size and catalog range, is probably a pretty convenient thing for their patrons. I think it’s a model which would fit the Highlands community nicely, but that, of course, would be something to look at down the road, should we end up joining the KCLS. In the meanwhile, I encourage people to check it out next time they’re up that direction, or to stop in the Southcenter Mall branch at some point (although, as I mentioned, I’ve never been in that one, so I don’t know how it compares to the Crossroads one.)
–LiW
I’ve used the KCLS library at Southcenter, and Tukwila, and Valley View, etc. Closer to work and much easier (and better hours) than wasting gas going to downtown Renton from Kennydale. Join KCLS and bag the homie libraries.
Add me to the list of people who like to see Renton join KCLS.
I’m new to Renton and used KCLS in various location over the last 20+ years and have never seen any bad activities like other have seen. Plus, you just can’t beat KCLS’ book collection.
Also, KCLS is a separate line item on your property tax and has nothing to do with county operating budget.
I can fully understand why the current staff and board want to keep it separate, I would too if I’m in their position, but are they the best people to ask?
>>Are they the best people to ask?
Yes.
Job wise, they’d probably fare better under the KCLS – there’s more room for advancement.
KCLS
I am in favor of the status quo, but if more money is going to be spent, I am in favor of joining the KCLS. I’d even pony up for my share of a new Renton library if that’s what it took to join the club.
I live in North Renton and work in downtown Bellevue. I live two blocks from the downtown Renton library and work two blocks from the KCLS Bellevue library. I check out about 10 items/month (books and dvds). I do all my transactions in Bellevue. I rarely go to the Renton library. I tried to go on a Sunday once, but to no avail.
When I’m looking for books, I never have to wonder if the KCLS has what I want. Instead of getting some books from Renton and the rest from the KCLS, I just do it all in Bellevue. More convenient. The KCLS already has an enormous catalogue (and a better website). Sure, Renton could compete. But why reinvent the wheel? We will never have the same budget for adding to our collection, so we’ll always need the reciprocal agreement.
Stay the same, improve when economy is better
I say stay the same as it is now. And in future, if any upgrades need to happen, I’d point at the highlands branch. The downtown Renton branch is fine. If we’re using volume of use as a determiner as to whether our opinions should be listened to, I’d say the 30-40 books a month I go through qualifies my voice. As for book selection, I use both KCLS and Renton, and to be honest there are plus and minuses about both.
The KCLS Down Town Bellevue branch has fantastic hours, a fun kid area, and a large selection of books. MOST of the time I can find adult books there to my taste. But their web site catalogue is not refined enough for me to find the children’s books when at branch or when attempting to place holds in a timely manner. I’ve taken 3 hours searching through their site to no avail before.
The city of downtown Renton library has a nice kids area, better organized than KCLS and easier to find things, but it could be a little more fun. Their online catalogue is fabulous, and I’m able to find things both at branch and to place on hold in a matter of minutes. If anything KCLS should look to them for advice on catalogues. But their hours aren’t the best, and yes I too would like to use the library on Sunday. Down town Renton needs an influx of children’s educational DVD’s, but other than that I’m quite happy with them.
The highlands branch in Renton needs serious work, both in amount of books and in over all appearance. But it’s a great location, very central.
One last thing is that Renton’s library’s are harsh on late fee’s and damaged books. KCLS is more forgiving and human about these things.
There, that’s the best and worst of it all.
Actually
Randy, you’d think with a subject about the libraries, I’d actually read what you wrote!
Option B please! It’s not fancy, but it gets the job done.
Plus being conservative: I’d have to mockingly point out the views of my fellow conservatives.
(don’t click if under 18):
http://www.demonbaby.com/pics/patriotic/reading.jpg
Randy,
The current financial situation, luckily, doesn’t seem to be hitting us as hard as other parts … for now. We need to think long term here. I do like the services and hours of the Renton system but the KC system has way better building and tons more books. If we want to continue to be a vibrant, growing and lively city we have to keep up with up. There are four KC libraries near her, Bellevue, Fairwood, Issaquah, and the small one in Factoria on Newport (I think). All of them are much nicer buildings than the one in Renton. There is plenty of comfortable reading space that is up-to-date and enjoyable to be in. The reading space in Renton is all dark and gloomy colors. My point is, the other libraries are more enjoyable to spend time in.
Option C or D seem to be the only two real choices if we want an attractive library. I wonder what the extra cost associated with having two systems that do the same thing are. What indirect resources does Renton utilize to keep our system independent and does that make sense, both logically and financially. I have often thought about why the systems are separate. Is it because there are better services, do the citizens of Renton require something other than what the KC system does (if so, why the reciprocal agreement) or is it so foolish desire to be independent.
I say, building and join the KC system. We will have a beautiful building, excellent services and on less thing for the city to worry about.
Mark Martinez
Sorry, I didn’t tie my first sentence in with the rest of what I wrote. I was going for a Kaynsain (he was an economist)thing. We build a new libary thus creating local jobs and improve our current situation.
Mark
Keynesian
I’ll take Keynes over Smith any day. That damn invisible hand keeps following me.
I like having BOTH!
I live in Renton. I use both Renton libraries, and 2 of the King County libraries, Fairwood and Southcenter. I use both for different reasons. King County certainly offers an extremely wide collection of materials. The problem is that they are spread throughout the county and never just “on the shelf.” So mostly I put a lot of things on hold and wait while they come in. I use Renton for newer items, since they have shorter hold times to get the new stuff, and for DVDs. I usually find more things I can take home from just “browsing.”
I’ve read the comments here, and want to put in my thoughts. I understand that King County has a lot to offer, but I already use the county, and like having a place that offers something different IN ADDITION.
So here’s what I want to say about some of the other posts:
“I think joining the county system would allow us to preserve some of our cherished local aspects (diversity in collections, staff)”
I don’t think that can happen. If Renton joins the county, the Renton collection is shared among all of the 40+ branches of King County. And the staff is employed by the city, so that would put them out of a job, and it would be run by county library employees, so the staff wouldn’t be paid more, they would be out.
“Plus how is the 62 hours that Renton Library (downtown) more then the 75 hours that Fairwood library is open per week?”
Sorry, but where are those figures from? Renton & Fairwood are both 10 am – 9 pm Mon – Thurs. Both are 10 am – 6 pm on Friday. Fairwood is 10-5 on Saturday, Renton is 10-6 (1 hour longer). Fairwood is open 1 pm – 5 pm on Sunday (4 hours, Renton is closed). So Fairwood is open 3 hours more per week than Renton.
“One last thing is that Renton’s library’s are harsh on late fee’s and damaged books. KCLS is more forgiving and human about these things.”
I have had to pay for an item that I damaged from King County – accidents happen, but that doesn’t mean I’m not responsible for that damage. I feel that it is a better use of my tax dollars that the library try to have a good collection. Fairwood doesn’t have a security system, nor do most King County branches – looking at their catalog, quite a few popular items have multiple listings that say “check shelf” because they are stolen. I’ve known people who have gone in to pick up their holds, but they have been taken from the shelf. Also, if someone has out a new movie I am waiting for from King County, and decides to keep it a whole month to pass around to all their family and friends, they only owe a couple dollars. Sometimes people just need reminders that these materials belong to all of us, not just them.
It seems that King County has also promised new libraries to some of the communities, and they are way behind schedule – so it wouldn’t be that we suddenly got a nice new library – we’d be somewhere on the list, and maybe not at the top.
Just remember, bigger isn’t always better – just look at WaMu. And think long and hard before you decide – once you join King County, you can’t go back.
A call to arms!
My dear conservative friends, I know you can barely read this but struggle on, or have one of your lackeys read it to you:
Apparently, there are these thing in out City On A Hill called “Libraries” – for the sake of the children, we need to burn them!
Our precious children enter these “Libraries” and become “Enlightened” – we’ll I tell you what! We need to enlighten these libraries with FIRE!
The word “Library” s really close to “Lobotomy” – but with more Lib in it. Lib + Lobotomy = Library.
We’ll meet at 4th and Garden at 8pm – bring pitchforks and I’ll bring the faggots. Faggots are little sticks – you know what we do with them!?!? We burn them and we’ll march down to the library and we’ll rid our fair city of this blight!
Show up early for goose-stepping lessons: It’s a snazzy thing the National Socialists perfected. just forget about that socialism part and you’ll be fine. It’s ok to learn from them now and then.
Who’s with me?
Burn the books! Then the witches!
Re: A call to arms!
Crazy, party of one? Your table is ready.
My opinion (for what it is worth)
I hope that is a party of 1.
I know I don’t use the library much (but did back in my younger day). But my daughter uses it a lot.
I would say that I am for for option “D”, after having read all the prior comments.
Dave