But not Springville's. Library clerks Wednesday were handing out helium balloons, patrons were drinking hot apple cider and children attending story time cheered that they will be getting a new library by the end of 2010.
City residents, in an unofficial 4,963 to 3,630 vote, approved a $9.8 million bond to build a new library across the street from the current and cramped building.
"I'm glad it passed," said Regina Stoddard, who was checking out a stack of dinosaur books for her children. "We come here all the time, and we need a new library."
For Lynette Catherall, the vote was a long-held dream come true. Catherall, the library's former director, said librarians have been pushing for a new building since 1975.
"I'm ecstatic," Catherall said. "Not only is it way too small, but the building is falling apart."
Pam Vaughn, the library's director, said she worried that the bond election would not fly with everyone.
"I've heard from people who were aware of the inadequacy [of the library], but what about all the other people who don't come down here?" Vaughn asked. But as the numbers trickled in Tuesday night, relayed among library supporters by phone calls and text messages, she was heartened to see that there was widespread support.
City Administrator Troy Fitzgerald said the election tally was a vote of confidence in how the city is addressing priorities for the area around the city center. And it wasn't just a show of moral support. The average homeowner will pay $5.27 a month to pay off the bond.
Vaughn said a new library will change the complexion of the downtown area. Right now, she said the library lacks visibility. The new building will be more visible, and may even have Hobble Creek running across its grounds the same way City Creek was brought to the surface in Salt Lake City.
dmeyers@sltrib.com
What's next
City officials now are working to create a detailed plan for the new Springville library, which will go up where a fire station now stands. Construction could begin as early as late summer, and the new building could be ready two years from now.
