Salt Lake City Council considers tax increase to fund libraries

Growing up on Salt Lake City's west side, the library was John Flores' "oasis."

And the longtime Glendale resident would like to see city leaders — and taxpayers — pony up for a new branch there, so future generations of west-siders might be able to enjoy the same escape from a place too often known for gangs and graffiti.

"What we need to do is bring a new tone to that west side," Flores told the Salt Lake City Council on Tuesday. A new library "can be the gem of a community."

City leaders have long planned to build new branches in the Glendale and Marmalade neighborhoods, and they're now looking at a tax increase to do so.

After considering a bond issue on the November ballot, the Salt Lake City Library Board recommended a tax bump to raise $2.3 million during the next three years.

The increase would mean an additional $20 a year in property taxes for a house valued at $280,000 and an extra $128 a year on businesses valued at $1 million.

"We realize times are tight," said Mountain View Elementary Principal John Erlacher, one of a handful of residents to speak in favor of the new libraries Tuesday. "Money is hard to come by, but we feel this would be worth the effort."

Library director Beth Elder said low construction costs could mean now is the time to move forward with the new branches.

The Glendale library could be built in the next three years, and the Marmalade branch, which could be housed in a restored Wasatch Warm Springs building, could come in about five years, Elder said.

Erlacher and other educators said the library would serve more than 1,500 students, providing a destination for field trips and an after-hours sanctuary.

"I can't think of anything that's more important to me in my wallet than a library card," said former City Councilwoman Joanne Milner.

The neighborhood is home to a mix of cultures and refugee populations, said Councilman Van Turner, who represents the area.

"Our area is truly a melting pot," Turner said. "Their needs are great, and this would go a long way toward fulfilling" those needs.

Glendale Community Councilman Jay Ingleby said the library would provide a needed boost in high school graduation rates there.

"This goes beyond just a library," Ingleby said.

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