ROCKFORD, Mich. — The City of Rockford is looking to expand its library for the first time in 35 years.
On the ballot this November, is a millage proposal that would help supplement the ongoing capital campaign.
According to the city, the Krause Memorial Branch of the Kent District Library is the busiest library per square foot in the KDL system, and the current space is not large enough to meet the community’s needs.
The $11.7M expansion will more than double the size of the building.
On top of reading areas both inside and out, it will add 6 study rooms, a large quiet reading room, a large community room, teen area, and space for senior activities - plus, it will double the space of the children’s room.
It will also create a new drive-up book return and improve accessibility to meet current ADA standards.
It’s taken 3 years, but Rockford has been able to secure $2 million through ongoing regional fundraising efforts, $1 million from the State of Michigan, another $2 million in grant funds from Kent County, and additional funding requests are still pending with a few other sources.
There are stipulations, though— to get the grant from Kent County, the project must be done by the end of 2026, adding to the urgency of the millage.
The ballot proposal asks voters to consider a request of 1 mill or less, which would cost the average homeowner, $115 dollars annually or about $2.21 a week.
But, Rockford City Manager Thad Beard, says he thinks it'll actually cost residents less than that, because they will continue to fundraise.
"The more money that the campaign committee raises, directly impacts the millage amount that we are required to levy," says Beard.
He says since they passed the ballot language last month, they've already raised more than $300,000 additional dollars.
About 50% of Rockford households have a library card, giving them access to the Krause Memorial Branch.
Beard says the expansion is something that's been in the works for years.
"We believe it's very important. It provides quality of life, it enhances the downtown, complements the educational component with the school, and it provides that third space, between work and home and the library."
Beard says if the millage passes, construction would likely begin a year from now and then take about a year to complete.
Election day is November 5th – You can learn more about the project here!
