By STUART AVERY

Citizens for the Cedar River Library

When voters narrowly annexed our municipal library system with KCLS in 2010, we had been led to believe without KCLS, we would lose our libraries from a lack of funding. This fear of losing something cherished by so many narrowly tipped the scales toward annexation.

With motives completely out of step with library services, city administration and KCLS determined that relocating the library into the downtown business district would provide struggling retailers a promised boost in patronage not realized after the Piazza project and parking garage were completed. To address questionable activities and safety surrounding the Metro Transit Center, it’s hoped a library there will curb negative elements currently gnawing at tepid commercial growth. Neither motive has anything to do with better library services. Libraries do not drive retail commerce. It’s a flawed solution. Downtown retailers deserve effective solutions to address downtown growth.

At 15,000 square feet the proposed west Piazza library will be one-third smaller than the existing 22,237 square foot Cedar River building, and lacks sufficient dedicated parking, leaving patrons to find on-street parking or settle for long walks across the Metro Transit Center to the parking garage. Ask a mom with toddlers how easy will it be to navigate into or out of the west Piazza location, and then compare the response to visiting the current Cedar River location with ample close-in parking.

The recent KCLS letter mailed only to Renton’s registered voters lobbies for the west Piazza site, outlining costs contradictory to the thorough cost evaluations vetted and confirmed by the city. The inflated KCLS figures include expenses not part of the city’s responsibilities, based on estimates not acknowledged nor validated by the city administration. KCLS clearly has their preference but not because of concerns for Renton’s needs. How many of you thought annexation would improve our downtown library, not shrink it to a cookie-cutter Kiosk branch? This marginalizes the importance of our library, which in great societies are focal points for their communities.

When overall costs are compared, the Cedar River location remains the long- term bargain representing steps forward in serving our community.  If voters choose west Piazza, the city will then be required to renovate the vacated Cedar River building for “alternate public use.”  Those renovations will require the same permitting, same seismic retrofits and modernization and would likely cost the same amount as moving the library will cost.  That leaves Renton taxpayers holding the bill for TWO downtown construction projects, not one. Further, the ongoing operational costs would then be borne by the city, where as the library operational costs are borne by KCLS.  Because of the required “repurposing,” moving the library is expected to double our costs, without revenues earmarked to pay for it, ultimately resulting in higher taxes and less library.

The Cedar River Library is a destination location. It’s already a great environmental interpretive center, bringing people into our city from surrounding communities to watch salmon migrate or simply enjoy the peaceful beauty of the Cedar River.  With mature landscapes, wide open spaces, close proximity to retailers, curb-side public transportation, walking and biking trails, and countless other recreational opportunities, there really is no better place. Make no mistake: if voters choose the Cedar River location, Renton will get a state-of-the-art library which will proudly serve the community as a flagship KCLS branch, without a need to then repurpose the building at additional expense and ongoing operational costs.

Please consider your choice carefully. Renton voters have been given a rare second chance. You have an opportunity now, which you were denied before.  Please mark your ballot “Over the Cedar River.”

Stuart Avery is a spokesman for the  Citizens  for the Cedar River Library.