New Sumner Pierce County Library

August Primary Election Ballot Measure

The Pierce County Library System and City of Sumner are working together to place a ballot measure in the August Primary Election for a new Sumner Pierce County Library. The measure calls for a Library Capital Facility Area (LCFA) and bonds of $15 million to construct a new Sumner Library.

For more information

Attend an open house at the current library at 1116 Fryar Ave.

  • Wednesday, June 28, 11 a.m.-noon
  • Wednesday, June 28, 6-7 p.m.

Call 253-548-3300.

Yes Vote

A yes vote would result in an up to 20,000-square-foot library, which is nearly twice the size of the current 10,600-square-foot building.

The new library would:

  • Carve out individual spaces for toddlers to gain literacy skills, for children and families to read and learn, a zone for teens to study and collaborate, places for job seekers and entrepreneurs to hone their skills, and areas for people of all ages to connect.
  • Offer books and movies to check out, computers and technology, and meeting spaces and study areas, as well as other services based upon the community’s needs.
  • Function as a multi-generational center for learning, enjoyment and community.
  • Serve as a destination for children and families providing indoor space to develop a love of reading with literacy-rich activities.
  • Located centrally and be inclusive and local.
  • Provide accessible books, materials and all services for the diverse residents of Sumner.
  • The library would be built on Main Street East, which is near schools, shopping, the senior center and where people live. The area is walkable and bikeable.

No Vote

  • If voters do not approve the measure, the Library System would look for space in the City of Sumner to lease to serve as a Sumner Library.
  • The space would be based upon availability and suitability.

Signage in vacant lot signifies the future home of Sumner Library

WHY A NEW LIBRARY

  • The Pierce County Library Board of Trustees and City of Sumner City Council passed resolutions to place the ballot measure in the August Primary Election.
  • The current Sumner Library needs to move because its current location, which the City of Sumner owns, requires costly repairs, is undersized for the population it serves and does not meet current needs, and it is difficult to access. The City and Library System are collaborating to build a new library on Main Street East. The Library System leases the current building.
  • In 2019 and again earlier this year, the Library System engaged with thousands of Sumner area residents and heard their ideas for spaces and services in a new library.
  • The spaces and services in a new building would reflect this input and the residents’ needs and values for their community library.
  • The new, larger library may provide opportunities for collaboration with nonprofit organizations to provide much-needed services for children and families that are not easily available or accessible in east Pierce County.

FUNDING THE NEW LIBRARY

  • The Library System estimates the total project cost at $19 million in today’s market, for an up to 20,000 square-foot building.
  • $15 million of the funding would come from bonds if voters approve the LCFA and bond ballot measure.
  • The average assessed value of homes in the Sumner area is approximately $514,000. If the measure passes, it is estimated that a homeowner of an average assessed home would invest approximately $10 per month in additional property taxes for the new library.
  • In addition to the bonds, the Library System is committed to contributing $5 million through a variety of sources, including private donations, which helped to reduce the bond amount.
  • Tax exemptions are available for senior citizens and people with disabilities who meet certain income requirements. Those residents may be exempt from part or all of this local property tax. To learn more, please call the Pierce County Assessor’s Exemption Hotline at 253-798-2169 or visit www.co.pierce.wa.us/707/How-to-Apply.

Sumner fit with context

LIBRARY CAPITAL FACILITY AREA (LCFA) 

  • The Library Capital Facility Area (LCFA) would be an independent taxing district, separate from the City, the Library System and Pierce County, for the sole purpose of funding a significant portion of the new Sumner Library.
  • The LCFA would include all of the properties in the city limits of Sumner.
  • Overall, the Library System would oversee the building construction, and then manage and operate the Sumner Library.
  • The LCFA governing body would be three members of the Pierce County Council, chosen by the entire Pierce County Council.
  • The LCFA would own the building through the life of the bond (projected to be 20 years; for a maximum of 21 years) and lease space for the building to the Library System.
  • Through an inter-local agreement, the Library System would contract with the LCFA to manage the construction of the new library and to operate it following completion.
  • Overall, the Library System would oversee the building construction, and then manage and operate the Sumner Library.
  • When the bonds are repaid, the LCFA would dissolve and it would transfer the title of the building to the Library System.

Calling “for” or “against” committee members for Sumner Pierce County Library ballot measure

Please contact Pierce County Library System to be part of a “For” or “Against” Committee for the Library Capital Facility Area (LCFA) and bonds ballot measure to construct a new Sumner Pierce County Library. As part of the Aug. 1, 2023 primary election, the Pierce County Library System and City of Sumner are asking voters to consider the LCFA and bonds ballot measure to ask voters to fund the building with $15 million in bonds.

The Library System estimates the total project cost at $19 million in today’s market. In addition to the bonds, the Library System is committed to contributing $5 million through a variety of sources, including private donations, which helped to reduce the amount of the bonds.

The Pierce County Auditor’s Office requires jurisdictions with a measure in the local voters’ pamphlet to seek and appoint members to For and Against committees.

Please contact Brenda Tanksley at btanksley@piercecountylibrary.org if you are interested in participating on either committee, by Monday, May 1, 4:30 p.m. Pacific Daylight Time. Provide your name, email address and phone number.