San Diego New Main Library Plan May Gain Boost from School
Norman Oder -- Library Journal, 12/23/2008
- School would bring crucial $20 million
- State librarian positive
- School board to discuss issue January 13
LJ recently reported that the San Diego Public Library’s much-ballyhooed effort to build a new $185 million central library is likely to die, given that a $20 million state grant will expire at the end of the year, and that $50 million in private donations have not been raised.
Not so fast, reports the Union-Tribune, which said city school officials would use $20 million from a recently-passed bond measure to put a school on two floors of the nine-story building.
“Conceptually, it sounds like a great idea,” said Mayor Jerry Sanders, noting that it required more study before his endorsement.
State Librarian's role is key
State Librarian Susan Hildreth, who has the power to extend the deadline for the state grant, later spoke positively about the idea, the newspaper reported, though parents in downtown San Diego are more supportive of an elementary school.
The matter will be taken up by the school board on January 13; if the board agrees to negotiate with the city, the issue would then go to the City Council. The plan for the library involves $20 million from the state, $80 million from downtown redevelopment taxes and $85 million from donations; only $35 million has been pledged, with $50 million required before construction.
Hildreth acknowledged that the plan wasn’t a slam dunk: “There may be other projects that are much more ready to go than this. We have to balance, in the end, what is in the best interest of the state.”
