Lake Oswego residents can walk through the city's aging public library on Thursday, Nov. 5, and see for themselves the building problems behind the push for a new facility.
The city is hosting a building tour from 3 to 4 p.m. at the Lake Oswego Public Library, 706 Fourth St. The city asks attendees to register in advance.
The 1983 building faces what the city describes as "significant and worsening seismic, water intrusion, building system, and accessibility deficiencies." Those conditions, the city said, affect its ability to provide safe, reliable and equitable services.
The tour comes as the replacement project gains momentum. On Oct. 20, the City Council voted to hire the firm Shiels Obletz Johnsen as the owner's representative for the new library, as first reported by the Lake Oswego Review. The firm will manage site selection, design, acquisition and financial planning under a contract capped at under $299,925.
Library Director Melissa Kelly said at the Oct. 20 meeting that "the library is in need of replacement in the next few years because the existing building has reached the limit of its useful life despite care and maintenance and its footprint can't be expanded to meet community needs at its existing site."
The city is planning to build a new library, prioritizing the west side of town, and has pointed to urban renewal as a possible funding source, according to the Lake Oswego Review. The council must also decide what to do with the current First Addition site.
Mayor Joe Buck said at a July 7 study session, "I'm all for options, but I don't see a path forward to a new library unless we generate money."
The library question drew attention at an Oct. 23 candidates forum, where more than 100 people heard six City Council candidates discuss the library among other topics, according to the Lake Oswego Review.
Upcoming community meetings:
- Library Advisory Board: Thursday, Nov. 12, 7 p.m.
- Library Site Reuse Task Force Meeting No. 3: Wednesday, Nov. 18, 7 p.m.
- City Council Meeting: Tuesday, Nov. 17, 3 p.m.
