Residents urge town to fund larger Collierville library; officials clarify funding sources

Speakers at the April 28 Board of Mayor and Aldermen meeting urged the town to move ahead with a planned expansion of the Lucius E. and L.C.C. Burch Library, saying the current building cannot accommodate projected population and program growth.

The library director, library board members and more than a dozen residents described crowded programs, a need for separate teen and children’s spaces, and a multipurpose event hall that could hold up to 300 people. Susan Ewing, a resident, said Collierville should “reimagine” the library to serve a projected surge in young children and to offer meeting and study space for all ages. Julia Webley, president of the Friends of the Library, told the board that the project was planned using reserved funds dating to 2015 and that the expansion is not intended to be financed by a property tax increase.

Why it matters: Residents who spoke described the library as a community hub used by families, teens and nonprofits and said lack of meeting space forces groups to use churches or facilities outside Collierville. Supporters argued an expanded library would serve education, safe teen space and community events while generating rental revenue from larger meeting rooms.

Details and town response: Several speakers referenced a commonly circulated $14.5 million estimate for construction. Town staff and the mayor explained the town has accumulated $8.4 million in unassigned savings since 2015 earmarked for a library expansion and that a construction takeoff provided an approximate estimate of $14.5 million, leaving an apparent gap of about $5.5 million. The mayor and town staff said no formal appropriation or budget vote on the expansion had occurred; the budget’s first reading is scheduled for May 12, a public hearing on May 27 and final reading on June 9.

Multiple speakers, including Friends of the Library officials and library board members, presented program examples — Tiny Tot Story Time, teen programs, meeting-room rentals and volunteer activities — and said those needs require more dedicated, flexible space and better event facilities. Several nonprofit leaders and longtime residents said library expansion would support downtown civic life and local nonprofits.

Divergent views and questions raised: Some residents sought more detailed justification and public communication. Chuck Lesnick asked for stronger public-facing metrics — current cardholder growth, visitation and use statistics — and said he preferred a lower-cost $8 million alternative if warranted. Town staff clarified that the $8.4 million in savings would cover a portion of the project and that the estimate came from a contractor’s takeoff of the current design.

What the board said: The mayor and staff reiterated that no appropriation has been made, the FY2026 budget process is ongoing, and the board will review more information before any vote. Staff invited residents to contact town staff or board members for details and noted the board deferred any funding decision until the budget readings in May and June.

Next steps: The town’s first budget reading is May 12; the public hearing on the budget is scheduled for Tuesday, May 27, and the final reading is June 9. Residents who spoke requested more data and stronger public outreach between now and those budget deadlines.