Grant County board advances feasibility study, weighing five-year levy or library district

The Grant County Public Library Advisory Board said Oct. 9 it has engaged a consultant and is moving forward with a feasibility study to determine how best to sustain library services.

Board members and the Save the Library committee are evaluating two primary funding paths: a five-year operating levy and formation of a library district. Elizabeth Kennedy-Wong is listed as the consultant preparing the feasibility study; the board also discussed fallback options including a possible membership fee in the $80–$100 range. Vicki Thompson noted one scenario in which 1,500 registered users paying $100 each could yield about $150,000 annually but warned that such income “still wouldn’t be enough” to cover all needs, as discussed during the meeting.

Board members reported pledged support for the study and outreach efforts: the State Library pledged $17,225, the Ford Family Foundation $10,000, and the Grant County Library Foundation $1,000 (as recorded in the minutes). The committee plans a public meeting and to launch a countywide survey on Oct. 21, 2025, available both in person and online, and the State Library and LEO representatives are expected to attend.

"Promote, promote, promote: Save Our Library needs people going door-to-door and to countywide meetings to inform the public of what is going on, what is needed," Gillian Seton summarized when outlining outreach priorities. The board characterized the feasibility study and strategic planning as necessary next steps before choosing a formal funding path.