Marion Library Looks For New Site To Expand

MARION — Abandoning an earlier idea of tearing down Marion’s library and building a larger one there as part of a mixed-use project, the library board and developer now are hoping to secure some other land for the concept within 30 days. The Marion Public Library Board, director and representative from developer Ryan Companies presented the modified plans to the Marion City Council last week. Susan Kling, president of the library board, said once Ryan Companies is able to find a location and provide a cost estimate, the board plans to ask the City Council to schedule a public referendum on issuing bonds to pay for the project. Kling said at this point she’s unsure if the city would lease or buy the library space. CHANGING PLANS Board members have long said the community was outgrowing the 24,500-square-foot library building, but debate over what do about it has gone on for years. In September 2014, the library board brought developer Ryan Companies on board to conceptualize a mixed-use facility that would house the library as well retail and apartment spaces. Such a facility would provide more space for the library and bring more housing and retail to the core of Marion, said Lydia Brown, director of development for Ryan Companies. “By creating that retail front, we will allow for the city to generate tax revenue, as well as the revenue that comes from the apartments above,” Brown said.