Closed Libraries - Where Would the Money Go?

According to a note in last week’s City Manager’s report to City Council, we noticed a little item regarding the potential sale of Tacoma’s closed Martin Luther King Jr. and Swan Creek library buildings.  As we reported last November, there was some uncertainty over where the proceeds of such a sale would go.  Although the buildings are technically City property, and a portion of their original construction was funded by the general fund, part was also Community Development Block Grant funded, and the libraries have been responsible for their maintenance and upkeep. 

The partial answer to this question is that “a portion of the proceeds” will need to go back to the City’s CDBG program, but the remainder can go back to the General Fund.  The Library Board of Trustees has requested that any funds returned to the General Fund be designated for maintenance of remaining library facilities.  No word yet on whether they would get their way, and it may be putting the cart slightly before the horse to start divvying up the spoils just yet.  However, also noted in the report was a remark that “Several parties have expressed an interest in these two facilities.”  We’re expecting to hear more on this soon. 

If those libraries aren’t coming back, what would you like to see in their place?

Previously on Exit133: Library Buildings For Sale?