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So What's Up with the New Punta Gorda Library
Cliff Notes Version
by Bill Albers

The Punta Gorda Library along with the three other Charlotte County Libraries are provided and controlled by
Charlotte County. The Punta Gorda Library is 10K square feet and was built in 1973. It was more than 10 years ago
that the County Commissioners identified the need to provide a larger and more functional library in Punta Gorda.

Replacing the Library became a one cent sales tax project and was the number one priority. The cost was
underestimated and during the design phase had been reduced in size by 4000 square feet [from 24K to 20K] with
sort of a plain vanilla box exterior. The cost estimate to enhance the exterior with some awnings and covered
walkways was $500K.

County Commissioners in January stated they would not add any additional funds and placed the project on hold
while they pursued a grant for $500K which was denied in May. Meanwhile, the construction costs increased by
another $350K during that period.

At their June 7 City Council Meeting a resolution offering a 50/50 split with the county to cover the costs to improve
the exterior appearance was approved. At that same meeting representatives of the Friends of the Punta Gorda
Library committed to donating $50K toward those exterior improvements if both parties agreed to the 50/50 split. The
Friends of the Library have previously committed $150K to help with cost of furnishings in the new library. The
resolution and offer from the friends has been forwarded to the county commissioners for their decision. They will
discuss the proposal at their June 13 meeting.

We are hopeful that our dream for a new library will soon become a reality; it has been a long road.

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