Tulsa library board supports plan to build new downtown central library

Tulsa County voters could see another property tax on the ballot - to pay for a new central library downtown. <br><br>The library commission supports a plan to build a new library, instead of renovating

Friday, December 12th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Tulsa County voters could see another property tax on the ballot - to pay for a new central library downtown.

The library commission supports a plan to build a new library, instead of renovating the current building. A major renovation, with more parking, would cost $46-million. A new building would cost $58-million.

Nancy Lewis, Library Commission Chair: "We've visited enough libraries to know that when you build a new library you double your customers because it become a more inviting location.â€

The library commission wants to build downtown in what's called the East Village. The site they need will cover two city blocks.

The building plan requires a property tax increase, amounting to an estimated $30 a person per year.