Voters approve by 68% a new library for S.L.

Salt Lake voters gave strong support Tuesday for construction of a new central library and for demolition and other work on the block east of the City-County Building.

Nearly 68 percent of the 38,118 votes cast were in favor of the $84 million bonding measure with 32 percent against. Approval of the bond means the owner of a $150,000 home in the city will pay about $51 more per year - $43.50 to repay the bond and $7 to $8 to pay increased operating costs for the new library.Election returns showed strong support in favor of the project throughout the evening, which pleased library and city officials.

Approval of the bond will fund construction of a 200,000-square foot library to replace the existing 34-year-old library at 209 E. 500 South. It will also fund expansion of facilities at the Sprague and Anderson-Foothill branch libraries.

The old main library will not be torn down. The new library will be located north of the present library on the southeast corner of 400 South and 200 East.

All structures on the library block will be demolished with the exception of the existing library, which will be used by a yet-to-be announced program or organization.

The library-block project will also include parking for 600 vehicles (300 or more spaces dedicated for library use), construction of an outdoor plaza for community events and replacement of the plant that provides heating and cooling for the library block and the City-County Building.

City Council Chairman Bryce Jolley said it is "clear that a majority of the people in Salt Lake value the library and education and want to make a commitment to having a quality library anchoring our downtown."

"As a council, we were behind this and look forward to not only the new library but other developments that will occur on the same block," he said.

Responding to questions about the cost of the project, Jolley said he feels confident that all the work can be done within the amount advertised for the bond.

Library Board President Kenneth Luker said he is encouraged by voter support for a new library and other work on the block. It was "a bond for a lot of money, but it looks like voters are agreeing with us that it is worth the money."

"We now have a lot of work ahead to finish plans for the library and get a new library built. The board appreciates endorsement from the people. Now, we have to work to give the city a library for the next generation."

Library Director Nancy Tessman said she and other officials "feel a great responsibility to use funds (from the bond) wisely. We have a commitment to work with the community on this project as we proceed with the design phase."