Seattle Public Library -Libraries for All, Building Ownership or Lease Policy

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Capital Project Information New Central Library Neighborhood Branches Information for Architects, Consultants, Contractors & Bidders Oversight & Citizen Review Financial Summaries Archive Libraries for All Capital Program Office: capital.program@spl.org 1000 Fourth Ave. Seattle, WA 98104 206-386-4624		SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY POLICY SUBJECT: Ownership or Leasing of Library Buildings Return to "Libraries for All" Neighborhood Libraries main page 1. The SPL values owned facilities that convey positive civic quality, manifest the community value placed on information and learning, and demonstrate libraries as long-term investments of public resources. Such structures allow for citizens' pride of ownership of the bricks-and-mortar of their public investment. The SPL's preference is for dedicated structures that clearly establish library identity. 2. The SPL will pursue co-location on sites with other uses that: a) Bring the library closer to the audience served; or b) Logically group compatible public services; or c) Where a joint use site is the preferred location to available independent locations. Alternative joint tenants may include other public services, private non-profits serving the public, or private uses. The SPL will prefer locations that retain a library's identity, and that establish street presence so that a library is clearly accessible to the public. 3. The SPL will most strongly support joint location with other public uses that maintain public identity for library services, enable efficient grouping of public services and maintain public control of occupancy conditions. The SPL will also consider private non-profit uses when the SPL's long-term interests can be assured. In circumstances where locating with private uses is contemplated, the SPL will also seek assurances that it will have a strong role in design and performance standards for the development and long-term control of the circumstances of occupancy. 4. The SPL will only support joint use locations when: a) There is a clear contractual commitment to a term of use commensurate with the SPL's investment of resources in the occupancy. b) There is a clear delineation of use and maintenance rights and/or responsibilities for a library and rights and responsibilities for alterations to the space. c) There are design and performance standards that provide appropriate institutional identity for the facility and ensure a library building will be a positive addition to its neighborhood. d) There are protections of the SPL's interests if there is a change in ownership, tenancy, or financial circumstances of the property owner. e) There are investments in joint use locations consistent with the legal and appropriate use of funds employed in the particular project. APPROVED: Seattle Public Library Board of Trustees ADOPTED: January 26, 1999 Content modified: 14 April 1999 12/30/2005 © 1999-2006 - The Seattle Public Library

Libraries for All
Capital Program Office:
capital.program@spl.org
1000 Fourth Ave.
Seattle, WA 98104
206-386-4624

SEATTLE PUBLIC LIBRARY POLICY

SUBJECT: Ownership or Leasing of Library Buildings

Return to "Libraries for All" Neighborhood Libraries main page

1. The SPL values owned facilities that convey positive civic quality, manifest the community value placed on information and learning, and demonstrate libraries as long-term investments of public resources. Such structures allow for citizens' pride of ownership of the bricks-and-mortar of their public investment. The SPL's preference is for dedicated structures that clearly establish library identity.

2. The SPL will pursue co-location on sites with other uses that:

a) Bring the library closer to the audience served; or
b) Logically group compatible public services; or
c) Where a joint use site is the preferred location to available independent locations.

Alternative joint tenants may include other public services, private non-profits serving the public, or private uses. The SPL will prefer locations that retain a library's identity, and that establish street presence so that a library is clearly accessible to the public.

3. The SPL will most strongly support joint location with other public uses that maintain public identity for library services, enable efficient grouping of public services and maintain public control of occupancy conditions. The SPL will also consider private non-profit uses when the SPL's long-term interests can be assured. In circumstances where locating with private uses is contemplated, the SPL will also seek assurances that it will have a strong role in design and performance standards for the development and long-term control of the circumstances of occupancy.

4. The SPL will only support joint use locations when:

a) There is a clear contractual commitment to a term of use commensurate with the SPL's investment of resources in the occupancy.
b) There is a clear delineation of use and maintenance rights and/or responsibilities for a library and rights and responsibilities for alterations to the space.
c) There are design and performance standards that provide appropriate institutional identity for the facility and ensure a library building will be a positive addition to its neighborhood.
d) There are protections of the SPL's interests if there is a change in ownership, tenancy, or financial circumstances of the property owner.
e) There are investments in joint use locations consistent with the legal and appropriate use of funds employed in the particular project.

APPROVED: Seattle Public Library Board of Trustees ADOPTED: January 26, 1999

Content modified: 14 April 1999

12/30/2005