Residents urge Algoma council to keep library in place, warn proposed bank-site move lacks accessibility

Residents pressed the Algoma Common Council on Dec. 2 to reconsider a proposed relocation of the city library, saying the plan to move the facility to the second floor of the former bank building would shrink services and leave the library inaccessible to people with disabilities.

Laura, who gave her address as 408 North Park Road, told the council the bank’s second floor is “smaller” and lacks handicapped access, noting that making the space functionally equivalent to the current library would require “a new elevator,” accessible restrooms and alternate means of egress in case of fire. “To make it handicapped accessible would most likely require a new elevator,” she said, arguing those renovations would add major costs and could reduce the quality of library services.

Linda Benches, who identified herself during public comment, echoed those concerns and described the library as “a great equalizer” for residents who cannot afford internet or other resources. She asked the council to call a public meeting so residents can review plans and urged the city to advertise in the local paper for those less likely to follow online notices. “If you would have a public meeting, let people know,” she said.

Other residents raised similar points. Mike Braylee of Summit Beach Drive told the council he opposes moving the library away from its current location next to the school, saying children benefit from easy access to the library and that moving it could undermine that connection.

Speakers offered alternatives: Laura suggested using the bank building’s first floor for city offices and keeping the library in its present location, or separating and privately funding renovation of the older dormitory building if someone wishes to preserve it. Several residents also suggested the council explore a nonprofit or foundation to help raise money for library-specific upgrades such as heating and boiler replacement.

City staff acknowledged the public interest and said plans for other downtown projects (including Bayland Builders’ revised site plan and administrative building plans) are still in progress and will be brought back to the council when available. Staff and multiple commenters indicated the possibility of further discussion at a public meeting so residents can see specifics and provide input.

The council did not take final action on the library’s relocation at the Dec. 2 meeting; staff said they will share design plans from Bayland Builders with department heads and the full council when the plans are available and that the option of a nonprofit assisting with the existing building is not off the table.

The public conversation and the council’s acknowledgement of the request for broader community engagement leave the next step as a staff-level plan disclosure and, potentially, a follow-up public meeting where more detailed proposals and cost estimates would be considered.