Vote YES on Measure E
The Library is for EVERYONE
Sunnyvale City Council placed a measure on the Nov. 5, 2024 ballot for a $290 million bond to fund design and construction of a new Main Library. The proposed new Main Library would:
- Be 120,000 square feet (twice the size of the current library building)
- Be three stories tall
- Provide space for the total collection of the library to grow by 30%
- Expand by four times the spaces dedicated for children and teens
This does not include the Lakewood Branch which is already paid for separately.
Sunnyvale residents deserve a modern library. Our library was built more than 60 years ago and it’s simply becoming obsolete. It lacks the space and amenities that our community needs. It is not earthquake safe, the plumbing backs up, the roof leaks, and the wiring inhibits modern technology. These are problems our library staff and users face today.
Measure E provides funds for a new main library to:
- Meet modern accessibility, structural and earthquake building standards
- Provide spaces dedicated to children, after-school programs, interactive learning and modern technology for K-12 learners who may not have computers at home or in their schools
- Update wiring to accommodate new and modern technology
- Provide more space to expand the Main Library’s overall collection, including multicultural materials
Please join us and vote YES on Measure E.
The City of Sunnyvale has put together a helpful Q&A page on the proposed new library. You may find the answers to many of your questions!
Libraries Are No Longer Just About Books
Community Benefits
- The Sunnyvale Main Library’s goal is to serve as a center for lifelong learning and connection in our community.
- The library is a place for residents to enjoy educational and cultural programs.
- Many also use the Library to learn to read, prepare for jobs, access computers and the Internet, and study for school.
Library Usage
- In the last year, 380,000 people visited the Library.
- Customers checked out more than 1.7 million physical and digital materials.
- Last year approximately 55,000 people attended Library programs.
The Library of Things has saved the community $722,000.
How Will the New Library Be Paid For?
Project Proposed to be Funded Through a General Obligation Bond
- General Obligation Bonds are a form of debt financing approved by voters
- Used to finance projects that benefit the general public but require a tax revenue source to pay debt service
- Traditionally used for projects like fire stations, police stations, and libraries
Oversight
- All bond funds must only be used for design and construction of the new Sunnyvale Main Library and cannot be taken by the state.
- An independent citizens’ oversight committee will review bond expenditures and conduct annual audits to ensure funds are used as promised.
Cost
- $290M project cost to be paid by an assessment of $27.47/100K per year of assessed property value.
News, Events & Fundraisers
Your Support Counts!
How You Can Help!
Your support matters! Ways you can help Measure E:
- Donate!
- Endorse Measure E
- Host a lawn sign
- Participate in “tabling” at the Farmer’s Market and Library
- Spread the word
Fundraiser at Leigh’s Favorite Books and Bookasaurus – October 1-7