The library also plans to hire additional children's librarians, library assistants, and administrative staff, and will fill seven full-time custodial positions for the first time. Hours will also be expanded at three existing branches.
Director Ken Sivulich noted that the library’s funding has remained relatively stable in recent years despite a 28% rise in circulation. A pair of studies had indicated the need for a new main facility and aid to the branches, leading to the library’s inclusion in a major capital improvement measure in September 2000. Voters approved, by a 57% margin, a half-cent sales tax increase for 30 years to fund infrastructure repairs and capital projects, including libraries, as part of an initiative dubbed the Better Jacksonville Plan.
The initiative will fund construction of a new, 297,510-square-foot main library—a huge increase over the current 110,000-square-foot facility—and six new branches slated to open next year, as well a the renovation or expansion of 12 existing branches. “I think, frankly, that the library being included was probably extremely helpful in getting the sales tax increase passed,” Sivulich told American Libraries, advising library colleagues to “keep telling local officials what your needs are despite the fact that they don't want to hear it.”
Posted October 6, 2003; revised October 9, 2003.