Several residents used the open‑forum period during the Aug. 14 Williamsburg City Council meeting to speak about the proposed library replacement and asked council for more information before committing to a large project.

Robert Wilson (resident) told council the commonly cited $26 million construction figure is “the predesigned construction cost” and likely understates total project cost once design changes, owner‑directed changes and city‑borne direct costs are added. He recommended councils ask for more information about financing terms and possible longer amortization scenarios that increase interest costs, and he urged council to compare the city’s share of users to the project’s scale.

Peter Millett (resident) spoke in favor of replacing the 53‑year‑old building, saying a new facility would better meet functional, ADA and community‑space needs that renovations cannot address. He framed a new library as an investment in community services and future programming.

Speakers emphasized two common themes: one group asserted that estimated costs are incomplete (citing additional owner costs, furniture, IT infrastructure, and potential interest costs under longer financing terms), while another group said a properly designed new facility is necessary to meet modern accessibility and program needs.

Ending: Several speakers asked the council for additional public sessions to review library cost estimates and financing options before making final decisions; council indicated they would seek more information and answer follow‑up questions in future meetings.