STEVE REID
Editor & Publisher
sreid@lbknews.com
Longboat Key News asked Town Manager Howard Tipton critical questions about the state of fundraising for the planned Longboat Key Library at Town Center Green. The library is a formal collaboration between the Town and Sarasota County. The Town assembled the property several years ago at a cost of about $5 million and built out when is now referred to As Town Center Green. Sarasota County has offered to build a 10,000 square-foot library and maintain and operate the building out of its budget. There is a caveat: The town of Longboat Key must raise money and pay for what is referred to as the “enhancements” to be added to the building plans and the structure. Here’s what the Town Manager had to say:
What part of libraries the County building whether or not Longboat raises the funds for the enhancements?
The County is responsible for the core library, which will house all the essential functions one would see in a modern library today. It will hold the book collection, digital workspaces, as well as rooms for programming and other library functions.
What are the enhancements Longboat wishes to see?
First, expanding the meeting space from a maximum of 77 to more than 200. The need for a place for residents to gather for functions and events with nonprofit organizations as well as counter sponsored events has been a goal of the commission for years. Expanding the meeting space will cost about an additional $2 million.
The other big enhancement is an outdoor shaded terrace, which is of a good size. It will cost about $1.5 million.
So what is the anticipated final cost of the library?
The final cost for the Library with the Longboat enhancements additions is $14.5 million. The Core library is $11 million and $3.5 million is for Longboat’s add-ons.
So where is the fund raising stand?
We are in the process of reaching out to certain individuals who have expressed an interest in supporting the project.
Have any checks been written yet?
No checks.
What is the timeframe for the fundraising?
By the end of August the county wants to know needs to know what to design. In order to do that we have to have that money committed so we can tell them with certainty we want the additions.
How was the fund raising going? What is your confidence level?
I feel pretty confident. We have a lot of people in this community who are philanthropic and looking for a good project to get involved with. This has the ability to be the crowned jewel of Town Center Green.
What is the timetable for construction?
If we are able to keep the time frame, we go into final design this fall and into construction mid-2025 and it should be completed in late 2026. Swift construction is the project manager. They need to bid the concrete and steel and drywall.
Who is on the hook if there are financial overruns?
Sarasota County is on hook for financial overruns.
What’s the plan for the existing Longboat Library beside Town Hall?
That library has a lease in place until 2026. The new library will not use the old library collection. The Friends of Longboat Library are making plans to make a home for their collection. That will then leave a vacant building and a Town Commission decision.
Has any need been identified for the existing Longboat Library building or site?
We haven’t identified a specific need, but we have for expansion for current employees such as the IT department.
