The library is a taxpayer-funded entity, and it’s critical that we take care in how we spend public dollars. When considering new branch locations, factors considered include resident population size, growth rates, and both accessibility and visibility around potential sites. Opening a new facility has always been a careful undertaking for the Library System. Raising the capital funding to build and equip a new facility is one challenge and we are putting money aside every year for this purpose. The greater challenge is affording the $1,000,000+ annual operating costs, which will need to be built into our annual budget for subsequent years. 

Therefore, it’s important that we shop around for space that is within our budget and that suits our needs for years to come. We are making progress in Horizon West, but we have yet to find a space in Lake Nona that is both suitable and within our budget.