The 13 libraries that make up the Capital Area District Library (CADL) system will ask voters to approve a $94 million proposal in August to build five new libraries and 
renovate or expand the remaining eight libraries.
If passed, the largest improvement would be made to the Downtown Lansing branch. The $31.6 million expansion of the Downtown Library would expand the current 75,000 square foot space to 101,227 square feet.
“During the past 10 years we’ve seen use just skyrocket, beyond what anybody expected,” says CADL Director Sue Hill. Computer use has increased by 364 percent and circulation is up 242 percent, she says.
The library expansions will help keep up with growth and will give the CADL ownership over its buildings, she adds. The CADL doesn’t own any of the buildings that house the 13 libraries.
The $94 million proposal also includes $7.9 million for the expansion of the Impression 5 Science Center.
Source: Sue Hill, Capital Area District Libraries
Ivy Hughes, development news editor, can be reached here.
All Photographs © Dave Trumpie
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