Save Our Library!!
Reimagining and Refurbishing- Not Demolishing
Welcome to Friends of First Addition. We are an ad-hoc group of Lake Oswego citizens dedicated to preserving and enhancing the Lake Oswego Public Library in First Addition. The library is the heart and soul of First Addition and the larger Lake Oswego community. We believe the library can thrive in its present location by reimagining and renovating the current building and strong partnership with other existing facilities and venues to meet both the needs and the dreams of our citizens. It is a vital cornerstone of our community, offering essential resources, fostering education, and enriching lives. Join us in advocating for its continued strength and relevance.
The heart of our community: Lake Oswego Public Library-Community Preferred Plan Ignored by City!
In 2022 the City hired a library consultant to gather community opinion on a vision for the future of the Lake Oswego Public Library. 1000 inteviews were conducted, an online survey received 2800 responses, and five forums were held. The report said the Library needed ADA accessibility improvements, seismic upgrades, flexible small event space, technology improvements and building maintenance. The optimum recommendation from the consultant and study participants was renovating the existing library, establishing a branch library on the west side of town and incorporating modern amenities in both locations --not demolishing the existing Library. The City ignored their citizens (and voters) and dismissed their consultants’ and citizens’ recommendation saying that they could not afford operational costs for with two sites. At the City Council meeting July 21 this year we requested that the financial analysis for this decision be provided in writing. We have not received it. And the City has already issued a Request for Proposal for an Owner's Representative for a 4 year project lasting through construction!
How You Can Help!! Talk. Write. Attend. Contribute.
We provide various ways for you to engage with the ongoing discussions and actions concerning the Lake Oswego Public Library. If you're not on our distribution, Email us at FriendsofFirstAddition@yahoo.com and join our mailing list( to receive updates and calls to action. Here are some specific actions you can take now:
- Let your neighbors and friends know about the destruction of our library. This is a City problem that affects everyone.
- Ask them to sign up for our mailing list and look at our website.
- Write letters to the Editor or My Opinions in the local papers.
- Talk to the City Council members about your concerns and ask them to reconsider.
- Host a sign in your front yard calling for to save the library or consider options.
- Attend City Council and Task Force meetings and offer your thoughts.
- Help us pay for, and distribute, information.
Committee Formed to Look at Reuse of Library Site-Only Criteria is to Generate Revenue
On July 21st, the City Council approved the 20 members for the Library Site Use Task Force. There are a number of committee members living in First Addition. (Thank you!!) Revenue generation is the only criteria in the charter. In an earlier fact sheet the City said
" Any reuse of the current property will be part of a broader community planning process, including opportunities for public input and an Existing Site Reuse Task Force. The future of the current site will balance neighborhood perspectives with long-term community-wide service needs."
This has been omitted from the charter and needs to be corrected.
City Has Allowed Deferred Maintenance to Cause Problems
The City claims they have spent $2.5 Million in maintenance for the Library over the last few years. In its Q&A sheet on the library the City acknowledges that refurbishment is less expensive than a new facility. We have requested an accounting of deferred maintenance but have not yet received it.
Existing Facilities Already Provide Most of Desired Services
Our Library is loved for its welcoming staff and environment. Our citizens feel comfortable and safe there. Our award-winning Lake Oswego Public Library is an essential community resource for trusted information, enrichment, and connection. Our library boasts one of the highest per capita borrowing rates in the nation. 2021 community survey results identified the Library as the #1 ranking City service in terms of resident satisfaction.
Many of the wish list items are already available in or near Lake Oswego.
- Large event/theater spaces
- Indoor play spaces
- Teen Lounge
- Maker spaces
- Various size meeting rooms
We have asked for a cost analysis of those existing services in comparison to adding spaces in the library and have not received it.
Lake Oswego is Moving Toward $1 Billion of debt.
Can our City taxpayers afford a new library? Conservatively, based on costs for comparable libraries, our quick estimate is at least $100-$125 Million. This is added to a $700 Million cost for a replacement wastewater treatment, a $21 Million cost for the South Shore Fire Station, and $36 Million for LORAC. Although not yet addressed, there is a strong probability that Lake Oswego will need to improve water system resiliency due to changes in water availability. This will be expensive. And all of this is on top of an aggressive school improvement framework.
Need to Have Serious Financial Analyses Before Proceeding Further
We provide various ways for you to engage with the ongoing discussions and actions concerning the Lake Oswego Public Library. If you're not on our distribution, Email us at FriendsofFirstAddition@yahoo.com and join our mailing list to receive updates and calls to action.
A Task Force To Develop a Third Alternative That Honors the Desired Community Model Should be Formed
The preferred alternative is to remodel the existing library and open a satellite, along with additional book pick up and drop off sites. We would like this have requested tI request a 3rd task force be created to evaluate how our Library could be remodeled to meet the needs of the community, keeping costs reasonable and using agreements to bolster and better use existing services and facilities. A cost estimate for that option, including a satellite branch, in an existing facility, should be provided as part of that analysis.
Where's the Written Financial Analysis of why $100 million is being spent to solve at $10 million problem.
We have requested a financial justification for the decision to spend make a $10 million solution into a $100 million new project. We have not received it.
The Lack of Public Transport is a Red Herring
We agree that the existing library should be modified for ADA compliance. Public transportation is available within two blocks of the library and Metro provides for to door service for disabled citizens.
The Rover Bookmobile also provides access throughout the community.
This library site is walkable to a large number of citizens. Other locations will require driving, increasing traffic and limiting access.
Sale of the Existing Library Site Will Mean That the City Will Sell to the Highest Bidder, Not Provide Other Needed Community Services
If the single criteria for the Library Resue Task Force remains the generation of revenues, it means the site will be sold the highest bidder. With the State removing the ability of cities to control their own zoning, there is a real concern that the site will be overbuilt with multi-family non-affordable, perhaps high-rise housing.
About Friends of First Addition
Friends of First Addition is a dedicated ad-hoc group of community members in Lake Oswego, Oregon, committed to supporting and enhancing the present location of the Lake Oswego Public Library. We aim to inform and mobilize the community on issues surrounding the library's location future, ensuring it remains a vibrant and accessible resource for our neighborhood for our City.
Together, we can make a difference
The strength of our neighborhood and community lies in our collective action. By working together, we can secure a bright future for the Lake Oswego Public Library.
Contact us
Our community
Friends of First Addition
Portland, Oregon, United States
Email: friendsoffirstadditioin@yahoo.com