More people than ever are using Boulder's library system as demand continues to grow for books, programs and space. But exactly how it will be paid for is still unclear as sales tax revenues continue to decline.

During a study session Tuesday night, the library laid out its hopes for the future, which includes branches in north Boulder and Gunbarrel, a renovation of the main branch, greater use of Canyon Theater and expansion of the super-popular makerspace, BLDG 61. To meet each of the identified goals, the library will need to come up with an additional $3 million to $3.5 million in operating funds and up to $8 million in capital funds. Library Director David Farnan brought up the idea of a special taxing district to fund the library.

Even paying for continuing operations will require more money, he said, due to the ever-increasing usage. The collection has been doubled, but waitlists are still long, even for e-books.

"People expect to get them right away," Farnan said, "so getting on a waitlist with 18 people in front of (you) may mean you get your book from Amazon and don't use the library at all."

Possible renovations are, as of now, unfunded, including a $3.7 million maintenance backlog. "We don't currently have funding in place for building redo of any type, even if it's just paint," Farnan said.


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More likely to be completed are branches in north Boulder — on the community's wishlist since 1995 — and a corner Gunbarrel branch. The library is pursuing a private partnership to provide space for a reduced cost. Viable options exist, Farnan said, but the operating budgets of both locations remains unfunded.

A mix of sales and property taxes pays for the library's operations. Farnan said the library funding has been flat since the early 2000s; it has increasingly relied on the use of volunteers rather than paid staff as one way to cut costs.

Boulder's Library Commission has endorsed creating the special taxing district, which would distribute the expenses of the library among the wider community. One-third of library users live outside city limits.

Previous commissions have floated the idea as well, beginning in 1997. Past councils have pushed back, and current members seemed similarly wary.

"I'm going to be really, really hard to convince on a library district," said Councilman Bob Yates. "Of all options laid out, a district is not only last place, but five places behind last place."

Councilman Sam Weaver said it could be difficult to convince taxpayers outside the city to pay for something they are now getting for free. Nonetheless, he and other members were open to the idea, and said they would base their ultimate support on the results of a comprehensive financial analysis requested by the library.

Other options to grow library funding are to increase allocations from the city's general fund, a tall order in the face of a budget shortfall. Sales tax or property tax increases could be taken to voters as well.

Several more meetings are on tap for the master plan, including an Aug. 16 appearance before Planning Board, a City Council public hearing on Sept. 4 and a study session on funding options Nov. 27.

Mayor Suzanne Jones characterized the council's opposition to a district as stemming from its pride in the library and its desire to keep it under the city's umbrella, much like its open space program.

"We love our library, so the idea of giving it away is like, whoa, whoa, whoa," she said. "I do think we are obligated to finding a more sustainable funding source. We're committed to figuring this out."

Shay Castle: 303-473-1626, castles@dailycamera.com or twitter.com/shayshinecastle
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