Westfield Washington Public Library seeks $2 million in capital projects and three‑year growth appeal

The Westfield Washington Public Library asked the city council Tuesday for a three‑year growth appeal and a binding review of its 2026 budget to fund capital projects and staffing additions. Library director Cheryl Sollers told the council the board unanimously approved the appeal on Sept. 10 and cited rapid usage growth since the new 43,000‑square‑foot building opened in June 2024. Why it matters: Sollers said the library has seen record growth in card registrations, visits and circulation and needs both operating and capital support to maintain service levels and reduce circulation wait times for digital and print materials. Sollers said the library has issued 5,593 new library cards since July 1, 2024, that total circulation rose 22% (exceeding 500,000 last year), and that visitor counts have increased 29% since the new building opened. She asked the council to approve a budget that includes $2,000,000 in capital projects funded from proceeds of the previous library sale rather than a tax increase. The library’s capital priorities listed to the council include a $500,000 outdoor classroom and event space planned on the northeast corner of the library lot; land acquisition for a possible branch (estimated $500,000–$1,500,000); and an expanded makerspace or repurposed building for a makerspace/co‑working facility (estimated $500,000–$750,000). Sollers said the outdoor classroom would connect the library campus and Grand Junction Plaza and that the library hopes to break ground on the outdoor classroom in late 2025 for a spring 2026 opening. On personnel and operations, Sollers said the library seeks additional part‑time assistants, a full‑time children’s librarian, a full‑time technical services assistant, a part‑time events/meeting‑room coordinator, and a part‑time building maintenance position. The library also requested changes to fringe benefits including Indiana Public Retirement System enrollment and higher employer contributions to health insurance. Sollers told the council the appeal was necessary because the 2026 proposed budget exceeds the statutory 4% maximum levy growth quotient and therefore requires council binding review. “This appeal is not only mathematically justified, but essential to support the library services for the fastest growing city of the fastest growing city of Indiana,” she said. Councilors asked for clarification about whether the $2,000,000 is new tax revenue; Sollers said the funds are from the sale of the previous library building and not new taxes. The council opened and closed the statutory public hearing on the library’s budget the same evening; the library’s budget and the appeal will be eligible for final adoption on Oct. 13.