District, taxpayers make final library bond payment
Have you ever had the joy of paying off a debt? If so, you know that glorious feeling of slowly writing that final check, relishing in the knowledge that you’ll never have to pay that lender again. You tear it off the check book dramatically and even perform a little good riddance ritual to the parcel before putting it in the mailbox and skipping away.
Most bills are paid electronically anymore, making the experience a little less satisfying. Still, paying off a debt, no matter how you do it, is a great feeling.
Did you realize that you just paid off a $1,615,000 debt? It seems like that would be one you would notice, but you probably don’t recall writing that final check. A few weeks ago, The Library tore off the final payment on the 2012 Refunding Bond. It replaced the 1998 bond that financed the building of the new Sandpoint Library in 2000. That original bond was for $3,500,000 and also paid for the Clark Fork Library remodel and a new Bookmobile.
An article in the April 8, 2000, special Bonner County Daily Bee insert reported, “According to Gunter (former Library Director Wayne Gunter), the 20-year, $3.5 million bond will meet the district’s needs for the next 20 years.”
No one could have predicted the changes in technology and community needs that have taken place since that original bond was passed, spurring the need to remodel and expand the relatively new building in Sandpoint. The district’s library buildings have been meticulously cared for, and would have been structurally accomodating if not for the dramatic shift in industry demands.
Now you can see why we didn’t want to pass another bond for the remodel and expansion project — we were so close to paying the other one off! It is also why we altered our original architectural design, eliminating a portion of the proposed expansion, so that we could keep costs affordable.
Even though you didn’t get to experience the elation of tearing off that final check, you can enjoy a smaller tax bill now that the public bond has been paid off. With that debt paid, you can sit back and enjoy The Library you worked hard to help build.
East Bonner County Library events:
- Saturday, Aug. 25 — Sandemonium, 9 a.m.- 4 p.m. at Forrest Bird Charter School, 614 Madison Ave. The third annual fantasy, sci-fi, and cosplay convention is on with live gaming, podcasts, comics/anime, and the popular cosplay contest. The cost is $2 at the door (cash only). Details at sandemonium7b.com/FB. Visit us at our booth to sign up for a library card, check out YA books, and borrow our “Incredibles” mask photo prop for a selfie. The 2018 National Library Card Sign Up Month honorary chairs are The Incredibles. Info: 208-263-6930, ext. 1245.
- Tuesday, Aug. 28 — 3D printing workshop, 5 p.m. at the Sandpoint branch. Design your own 3D printed object and learn some fascinating ways 3D printers are being used. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Info.: 208-263-6930.
Marcy Timblin is in charge of public relations, marketing and community development for the East Bonner County Library District. She can be reached at 208-208-208-263-6930, ext. 1204.