A proposal for a new public library in south Fort Myers, Florida, was turned down by Edison Community College officials in late October. According to the November 1 Fort Myers News-Press, the Lee County Library System could have saved taxpayers about $1 million in land costs by building a joint-use facility for both the public and students on the campus.
The idea had been under discussion for years as the south side outgrew its current 7,000-square-foot library. The county suggested that the school could donate the land and Lee County would provide $15 million to construct a 40,000-square-foot facility, or something larger if Edison provided additional funding.
However, Edison District Executive Vice President Jim Slusher told the News-Press that the school needed to maintain control of its library to meet accreditation standards as Edison moves toward becoming a four-year college. The school plans to renovate its existing library building instead.
Posted November 5, 2001.