GUEST COMMENTARY: Renovating Existing Williamsburg Library Makes More Sense

Upgrades can meet community needs with less pressure on City finances

The Williamsburg City Council is considering building a new $26M library on the current library site. (Credit: George Arbogust, Williamsburg Independent)

First, let me make clear that I am a supporter of our library and library services in general. That having been said, I also believe that major decisions facing the City must be made with full information being provided to the residents. In the case of planning for the new library, I don’t believe that has been the case.

The City conducted a Community Engagement Meeting last week to present the proposal for a new City library to residents. At the meeting, the City made no disclosures about important considerations, including the $26 million cost of the library or the $6 million cost of the underground parking option, plus cost of furniture, IT systems and equipment to fit out the new library. There was no discussion about the impact of such a project on residents’ property taxes. Nor did they bring up the fact that James City County re…