Library board offers to cover building costs while village retains deed under short-term IGA

The Kirkland Public Library Board proposed that the library assume responsibility for all repairs and operational costs of the library building while the Village of Kirkland retains the deed, the library’s president told the board at the May 4 meeting.

"They already passed their budget for the Fiscal year 2026-2027, and didn't budget for any payment of utilities bills," Jean Bauer, president of the Kirkland Public Library Board, said when explaining why the library sought to manage building costs. Bauer said the library board will pay for inside and outside repairs and for insurance if the village agrees to hold the deed. Village and library representatives agreed to draft a short-term intergovernmental agreement (IGA) that would place financial responsibility for the building with the library board while leaving utility payments with the village. The board agreed to revisit the possibility of a sale in December 2026 or January 2027 so the library board can plan for the next fiscal year.

The public comment period also included a proposal to install three Little Free Libraries on village property. Linda Fett, representing the Friends of the Library, said the small book boxes were funded by a prior donation, built with help from the Kirkland Lions Club, and are ready to be installed in Beneke Park, the Country Meadows neighborhood and Hickory Ridge. Fett asked whether Public Works could install the boxes; President Ryan Block and members of the Lions Club volunteered to perform the installations.

Next steps identified at the meeting include drafting the short-term IGA for review by both boards, Bauer’s inspection follow-up on building repairs and the library’s collection of contractor quotes for utility projections. The board set a target to revisit the question of sale in December 2026 or January 2027.