Library Bd request referendumCarnegie-Stout Public Library
360 West llth S~eet
Dubuque, Iowa 520014697
(563) 5894225 phone
(563) 5894217 fax
www. dubuque.lib.ia.us
23 October 2003
Dubuque City Council
City Hah
Dubuque, Iowa 52001
Carnegie-Stout
1902-2002
100 Years of Excellence
Dear Mayor and Members of the City Council:
As a follow-up to my earlier letter, the Carnegie-Stout Library Board of Trastees would like to request a
work session between our two bodies in order to discuss the possibility of a referendum to approve a bond
issue to support the library, should that be deemed appropriate. In addition, we wish to discuss short- and
long-term slrategies regarding the proposed h'brary renovation/restoration project to ensure the continued
success of this most valuable community asset.
As you know, we have completed our concept plans for the configuration of the library and we have shared
those with those of you who at£anded our informal briefing sessions arranged for membem of the City
Council several months ago. In addition, we have begun the process of identifying the source of funds to
carry out our plans based on what now appears to be a possibly erroneous assumption that public funds
could not and would not be made available. Finally, comments fi-om some members of the City Council
lead us to believe that our previous plans may need to be altered because of sbiflthg City needs for h'brary
facilities.
Specifically, we wish to talk with you about the following:
· The support that the library may expect in the form of public fimding for the provision, repair
and/or replacement of components of the library's infi-astmcmre, such as the HVAC system, roof;
windows and other slructural and mechanical systems, all of which would be affected by our
current plans.
· The nature and tinting of a referendum to approve a bond issue to support the library, should that
be deemed appropriate.
· The iutended future use of library facilities for City Council meetings. It has been suggested that
the council chambers be moved to Five Flags, thereby freeing that space for library purposes. If
the Council indeed plaus to leave the library, we may need to redesign that space.
· The Council's view of the need for a library facility---a branch library or remote drop-off points--
on the west side of Dubuque, as well as your thoughts on paying for it.
· Council's attitude toward the funding of parsounel necessary to intplement both the planned
renovation of the Carnegie-Stout Library and any outreach programs, such as a branch library or
remote drop-offpoiuts.
We see our mission as providing the vory best of library services to our community in collaboration with
the City Council, and consistent with prudent deeision-making and use of such public and private funds as
may become available. In order to do this, we request your input to reinforce our partnership and help
diseem the proper direction. Please schedule a joint Library Board-City Council work session at your
earliest conveulenee. We are at your service.
For the Carnegie-Stout Public Library Board of Trustees,
Thomas A. Tully ~
President
CSPL Board of Trustees
City Manager
City Clerk
City of Dubuque carnegie-Stout Public Library
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