Residents urge council to keep Saint Francis library in place as developer proposal surfaces

Dozens of Saint Francis residents urged the Common Council to keep the public library in its current location during citizen comments at a council meeting where a private development proposal for the city-owned triangle parcel was discussed. Many speakers said they oppose moving the library and requested more information about any plan that could relocate the facility. "Please keep your hands off of our library," said Eileen Klubertanz, giving her name and address. Rick Grabanovich said he has gathered "over 325 signatures and a 120 signs" opposing relocation and asked the council to demand clarity in any closed-session conversations about the library's future. Fran Snowden, president of the Friends of the Library, said the group raises money each year to support programs and "we don't want the library moved." Amy (department head) — speaking as a city department head and not for the library board — provided comparative library statistics and asked that library staff be included in any planning: she said the library ranks high in programs per capita and that the staff would "be happy to meet with you and share more information, answer questions, and look at all the options for the library moving forward." A few speakers said they were open to exploring relocation if a modern library could be funded and sited appropriately; Vicky Teal Lovely said she "would be in favor of it if everything worked out and we had all of the information that we needed." Several council members thanked residents for attending and said no decision has been made. One council member said he is "keeping an open mind" but needs detailed cost, size, and location data before deciding. The meeting record shows public comment only; there was no council motion to relocate the library and no formal action on the developer proposal. The mayor and multiple council members said any substantive proposal would go to the planning commission and then to public hearings if it advances, and that the library board controls library operations and can advise the council on fiscal and programmatic matters. The library board appointment on the consent agenda (confirmation of Evelyn Schall) was approved separately.