The following is a list of questions frequently asked about the proposed new library. We hope that by publishing this information, it is informative to everyone. If you have further questions, please call the public library at 772-3349 or email us at library@ci.petersburg.ak.us
Current Funding Sources:
USDA-$200,000
Donations-$338,783
Rasmuson Foundation-$500,000
General Obligation Bond-$1,300,000
State of Alaska-$3,713,000
Construction cost: $3.9 Million
Location: Corner of First Street and Haugen Drive
General Obligation Bond: $1.3M/20 years – approved by Petersburg voters on Oct 4, 2011
Tax levy: Anticipated to be $40/per year for every $100K of assessed property value for 20 years
What size is the new library? 9,770 square feet. The size and design were determined by:
- 7 public meetings held between 2007-2011
- the size of similar AK libraries
- the standard for communities of similar size
The size of the facility strikes a balance between escalating library use and trends toward digital media and wireless internet. There is room for the library’s collection to grow by 20%. The size was also determined by careful consideration of how much we can afford, our year round population, and the size of similar Alaskan libraries such as Haines and the recommended standard for a community the size of Petersburg. Click here to view the floor plan.
With the Internet & eBooks, why do we need a new library? Our library checked out approximately 78,000 items in 2011. Library use in our community has more than tripled in the last decade. Our library is a place for kids, teens, adults and seniors in our community to gather and learn which is only increasing in popularity.
How can a make a donation to the new library? Donations can be made at the library, by mail, or online at psglib.wordpress.com/donate
When will the new library open? Construction began in June of 2012 and the new library will likely open in the fall of 2013.
What will the annual maintenance expenses be? Based on estimates from similar AK libraries maintenance costs are estimated at $3-5K annually.
What will the annual operations expenses be? The cost to operate the new library (utilities, insurance, telecommunications, janitorial) is estimated to be an additional $40K per year. The demolition of the Romiad Building will also result in some savings.
How efficient is the building? It is very efficient. Just how efficient will be determined as the building operates. Extensive energy modeling was done during the design phase to reduce energy demand.
When do other Bonds expire? Aquatic Center Bond #1 – 2021; Aquatic Center Bond #2 – 2025; Aquatic Center Bond #3 – 2026; Vocational Education Building Bond – 2025; Assisted Living Bond – 2024.
Will more staff be required to run the new library? The high level of use of the library supports the need for additional staff in the current facility. The Library Board has been advocating to increasing staff levels to meet the continuing increases in library usage. This is currently estimated to cost $20-30K. Staff increases are made at the discretion of the City Council and the cost may be offset by grant funding.
Will the new library be open on Sundays? The Library Board is aware that there is interest in Sunday hours and this is in the library’s Long Range Plan for service. After we are settled into the new facility the feasibility of adding Sunday hours will be considered. The necessary staffing increases for Sunday hours are subject to Council approval.
If the Petersburg Borough is established will all residents pay for the library bond? No. Upon borough formation, general obligation bonded indebtedness of the former city becomes the obligation of Service Area 1 only, the area corresponding to the current city. Therefore, the library bond will be paid for only by residents of Service Area 1.
Who are ‘Petersburg Citizens for the New Library’? A group called ‘Petersburg Citizens for the New Library’ formed in June 2011 to advocate for the library bond question that was on the municipal ballot in October 2011. The group is not affiliated with the Petersburg Public Library or the City of Petersburg.
View from the teen area
Small meeting room
View from the main seating area
Entering the new library
