The downtown library will eventually be sold and not be public property.

Answer: FALSE – The city maintains on its website that it will not sell the downtown library to private ownership. “This building is a well-loved public icon that will stay in city ownership,” says the city.

A Liberty Park Library Building Steering Committee recommended that the next use of the facility be an environmental interpretive center, should the library move on to the site west of the Piazza.

“I can’t imagine any circumstance where the city would sell this building,” said Mayor Denis Law via email. “Rumors that we’re thinking about selling it are totally false.”

The King County Library System (KCLS) ultimately dictates how much is spent on new Libraries in Renton, by deciding what features they should have.

Answer: NOT EXACTLY – The new interlocal agreement between the City of Renton and KCLS was established in July 2011. It states that the City of Renton is responsible for funding land costs, design and construction, while retaining ownership of the land. KCLS is to own, operate and maintain the libraries, funding their furniture, fixtures and equipment.

“So, in that sense, KCLS does manage and set the priorities for the budget for both the downtown and Highlands libraries’ operations,” wrote Jay Covington, city administrator, in an email. “That authority could dictate what features the structures will have.”

However, Covington went on to explain that “KCLS and the city will jointly agree on the final construction design, and KCLS has final authority on operations.”

The proposed site west of the Piazza is smaller than the current downtown library.

Answer: TRUE – The existing downtown library is about 22,000 square feet, with about 4,000 square feet of back office space. The site west of the Piazza is supposed to measure 15,000 square feet. KCLS’ reasoning for the smaller site is that based on a decrease in downtown library circulation, the system does not expect to increase services to Renton library patrons. Also, at open houses KCLS Director Bill Ptacek has explained the system’s move to expanded online services and outreach to varied populations. In essence, the argument is that not all the books are going to be in one library to begin with, because they will circulate and there will be greater resources and materials online, goes the argument put forth by KCLS.

The February 2010 annexation ballot measure never mentioned Renton building two new libraries.

Answer: FALSE – The explanatory statement for Proposition No. 1 read, “Renton would provide two replacement library facilities to be paid for at a future date by City of Renton funds.” Also, all agreements with KCLS have referred to the obligation to build two replacement libraries.