We have exciting news at Missouri River Regional Library! On Tuesday, April 18th our Board of Trustees voted to place Proposition Library on the August 8th ballot in Cole County. 

Prop L is an increase to the Library’s operating levy for the purpose of renovating and expanding the main library building in Cole County and increasing library collections, services, and programs. This will help expand library services for young children, students, seniors, small business owners, and others. Prop L would result in an average 2.5% property tax increase for most households.

“Missouri River Regional Library has served the Jefferson City and Cole County community well for the last fifty years, but the building is finally showing its age and the way that libraries support their communities has also changed,” says Claudia Young, Director. “Major upgrades are needed to extend the life of the building and more space is needed for people, programming, materials, and technology. It is vital that the library has the resources it needs to serve the community.”

When voters head to the polls on August 8th, they will see this language:

Shall the twenty cent ($0.20) per hundred dollars assessed valuation tax for the  Jefferson City-Cole County Library District be increased to thirty-five cents ($0.35) per hundred dollars assessed valuation?

“The Board of Trustees and Library staff have been working on these plans for several years,” says Stacy Fick, Board President. “After surveying the community, hosting focus groups, and a great deal of planning, the library is ready to move forward and write the next chapter of MRRL history. The library has not had an increased levy since 1964, and as the library considers the practical renovations that must be undertaken, it is time to plan for the next fifty years and to envision what is possible.”

Community members are invited to stop by the library to see the plans for the new building during National Library Week (April 24-29th). Community Q&A sessions will be scheduled over the summer at the library, and with various community groups. If you would like the library to come speak to your group, email Natalie Newville at newvillen@mrrl.org. 

Visit our election page for more information!