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Friends group says Kent District Library millage outcome leaves Middleville considering an independent branch
Summary
Friends of the Middle Area Community Library reported KDL’s millage passed elsewhere, meaning a KDL branch in Middleville is unlikely without renegotiation; the group is surveying the community and exploring forming a local library board and a separate millage estimated at about 1.5–1.6 mills to support an independent branch.
Michelle Fry, president of the Friends of the Middle Area Community Library, used public comment at the April 14 council meeting to update the council on the library project and outreach efforts.
Fry said the Friends are circulating a community survey and organizing a book sale to raise awareness and funds. She reported that the Kent District Library (KDL) millage passed in nearby jurisdictions, which locks KDL into a 15-year millage and means KDL is unlikely to open a staffed branch in Middleville without renegotiating contracts with other participating municipalities. "They would still extend us a service contract," Fry said, "but they wouldn't staff the space or offer regular programming; we'd pay the tax to keep access to materials." Fry estimated a local millage to support an independent Middleville branch would likely be in the 1.5–1.6 mill range rather than the 1.1 KDL millage that passed elsewhere.
Fry asked the council to consider posting the Friends' survey on the village website; the council indicated staff will accept the link by email and consider posting it. The Friends continue to meet on the second Tuesday of each month at the TK School and Community Library; their next meeting was scheduled for May 12.
Why it matters: The KDL millage outcome shifts local planning for library services. If Middleville seeks a staffed local branch with programming, it will require a local governance and funding solution, which could include forming a library board and seeking a separate millage.
Next steps: The Friends will continue outreach and provide a survey link to staff for website posting; discussions about a local board or millage would return to the council if the Friends pursue formal steps.
