Board approves revised library measure headed for November ballot
Acknowledging the impact of COVID-19, the Board of Commissioners on June 25 approved a revised, slightly smaller version of a November ballot initiative that would fund improvements across the Multnomah County Library system.
Vailey Oehlke, director of libraries for the County, told the Board the revised measure would raise $387 million if passed, down from $405.5 million. It would still include construction of a new “flagship” library in East County, the renovation and expansion of seven of the County’s 18 current branches, improved internet broadband service, and a new automated sorting and distribution center.
But the new version would delay plans to renovate the Capitol Hill branch. Instead, it would expand the North Portland branch while also relocating and expanding the Northwest Portland branch, which is currently in a building the library doesn’t own.
Originally introduced Jan. 30 and approved by the Board in March, the proposal was revised due to predicted budget changes caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. The total cost of the project will be $387 million over eight years, and the work would start with construction of the East County flagship library. Oehlke estimates the measure would also pay for a 5 percent increase in the library’s operating budget and add three positions.
The library began a public input process in 2016 to hear the community’s priorities for library spaces. That process included participation from nearly 2,000 community members at 13 culturally specific focus groups and 51 community conversations at libraries, community centers, service agencies and partner organizations across Multnomah County. The library also sent a public survey that received more than 1,700 responses.
A yearlong analysis of library spaces, distribution and patron use patterns followed, revealing a gap between the County’s growing population and its limited library space, as well as the lack of library space in certain areas, particularly in East County.
For additional input, the library convened a Blue Ribbon Committee, composed of local civic and business leaders, to independently review the library’s research, plans and costs for future spaces. The Committee jointly submitted its feedback and considerations to the Multnomah County Library District Board. What emerged was an informed proposal to improve the system in a cost-effective way while focusing on the communities who need libraries and their resources most.
In January, Oehlke noted that although the Multnomah County Library is the fourth-busiest in the nation, it ranked 102nd in total square footage. Oehlke said every one of Multnomah County’s branches could fit together inside Seattle’s Central Library. Additionally, while 40 percent of Multnomah County residents live east of Interstate 205, that part of the community has just 20 percent of available library space.
Several speakers joined Oehlke during the March 5 meeting, highlighting libraries’ value as public space where community members, from kids to professionals, can access free information and resources such as community meetings, tutoring, resume building, career counseling, and job search assistance. But because of space limitations, they said, fulfilling these functions has become increasingly difficult.
Annie Lewis, the early childhood services manager for Multnomah County Library, said that when she was a librarian in Fairview, she was regularly forced to turn away families because there wasn’t enough room.
“If you can imagine a parent struggling to get out of the house in the morning, possibly taking public transportation, arriving at story time only to realize they can’t get in,” she said, “you know that this doesn’t end well. Children are upset, and parents are dismayed and may not come back.”
Oehlke said the COVID-19 pandemic has only highlighted the demand for library resources, provided safely and following Public Health guidance. “They are needed now more than ever to support our community’s recovery,” she said.
Oehlke urged the Board and voters to take a chance and “bank on the future.”“I know that, like me, you can picture the possibilities that this effort can produce well beyond this current very difficult moment,” she said.
Board members met the revised proposal with enthusiasm.
“As you’ve mentioned, and we all have recognized during these strange COVID times, COVID makes even more clear the essential service that our library provides,” Commissioner Sharon Meieran said. “The library provides connections in so many ways, which we all are really yearning for right now. “The proposal coming before us today will really be a game-changer for our community when it comes to more accessible, equitable library spaces.”
Chair Deborah Kafoury echoed Meieran’s comments and thanked Oehlke and her team for their flexibility.
“The need for this bond is in some ways… even greater than it was when we passed the original,” she said.