Library Buildings

As a member of the Illinois State Library Construction Grant Committee, I have seen a troubling pattern in the grant applications. Libraries are asking for money to do repair and replacement of building infrastructure such as painting, new roofs, new carpet, new HVAC systems, tuck pointing, etc. All of these items routinely must be redone or replaced. Yes some of them are big ticket items; however, I feel the library should be planning on how to replace, update or repair these things with their own funds and not rely on grants.

There are two reasons for this. The first is that the Library Trustee is responsible for the planning of library services and maintenance of the library. If they let the building fall into disrepair, then they are not meetings their responsibilities as a trustee. The second reason is that grant funds are hard to come by and may not be available in the future to do this type of work on a library building.

A better way for libraries to approach this issue is from the beginning when a building is first remodeled or built as a library. Look at all aspects of the building, what is the life span of the furnace, 20years? The roof is it 15 years? Carpet, paint, parking lot what is their life span? Make a list of all these items and more, computers, printers, or furniture. Once the list is made create a schedule of when the work or replacement will be done and an estimate of the dollar amount that will be needed.

Now the Library Board must look at the finances of the library. Do they have enough to operate the library and meet community needs? Is there any extra money that can be set aside for the future? If not, how can the library accumulate the funds? Do they use all the taxing authority they have such as the .02 building and equipment tax? Have they created a Special Reserve Fund where unexpended tax dollars can be saved for future improvements? These questions need to be a serious discussed at a board meeting.

If is fine to go after Grant funds but to rely only on grant funds is not wise. Library Boards and Directors must plan for building improvements just as carefully for the library as the y do for their own home or business. Don’t delay, start the discussion at your next board meeting.