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 The Moorhead Public Library, in conjunction with the City of Moorhead, is exploring options for a new library, which may be housed in a combined Library/Community Center. The goal is to build a new library facility in a vibrant, visible location, providing a welcoming space for Moorhead residents to attend programs, events, and meetings, and find abundant opportunities for lifelong learning, civic engagement and creative pursuits.

Recent News

On November 8, 2022, Moorhead voters approved a 0.5% local option sales tax that will be used to fund a new Community Center/Public Library.
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Attend an information session to hear more about the upcoming opportunity to approve a 0.5 percent local option sales tax to be used to fund a new Community Center/ Library in downtown Moorhead. 
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On November 8, Moorhead voters will have the opportunity to approve a 0.5 percent local option sales tax to be used to fund a new Community Center/Regional Library in downtown Moorhead.
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What would you like to see included in Moorhead’s new regional library and community center? Citizen input is key to envisioning what this amazing place could be.
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Great news! Last night the Moorhead City Council voted unanimously in favor of placing the question of a half-cent sales tax to fund a regional library and community center on the November 8, 2022 election ballot. 
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Join fellow library supporters at a City Council meeting as the Council considers placing the question of a half-cent sales tax to fund a regional library and community center on the November 8, 2022 election ballot. The meeting will be held January 24 at 5:30 PM in the Auditorium at the Hjemkomst Center, 202 1st Ave. N. We hope to see you there!
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Project Background and Progress

2017

In 2017 The City of Moorhead commissioned a Facilities Condition Assessment of all city-owned facilities. This study, which appraised the current condition of all city-owned facilities, notes several inadequacies of the current library facility including HVAC, plumbing and lighting.

January 2021

The City Council kickstarted the process to establish a half-cent local sales tax. That measure would fund a mixed-use civic building anchored by a new public library and community center.

January 2021

In order to prepare for this process, the library partnered with Library Strategies Consulting Group to conduct a broad-based community needs assessment, which included a professional analysis of the current facility’s physical limitations and other shortcomings hampering the library’s day-to-day operations and effectiveness.

March 2021

As part of the Community Needs Assessment, the Library Strategies Consulting Group conducted a community survey to gather public input and help the library guide its services, programs and other priorities for the coming years.

September 2021

Mayor Shelly Carlson appointed an 11-member force to further study and possibility of a new downtown library and community center. The task force is currently working on developing conceptual ideas for the project along with a vision for the new facility.

January 2022

The City Council voted unanimously in favor of placing the question of a half-cent sales tax to fund a regional library and community center on the November 8, 2022 election ballot.

November 2022

On November 8, 2022, Moorhead voters approved a 0.5% local option sales tax that will be used to fund a new Community Center/Public Library. The final vote was 8,782 (64.37%) to 4,861 (35.63%).

Next Steps

2023

Construction plans and timeline will now be developed under the direction of the City of Moorhead, the Moorhead City Council and the Mayor's Task Force, including hiring design professionals, identifying a precise location and budgeting amenities.

2023

Moorhead merchants and retailers will begin collecting the 0.5% city sales tax on April 1, 2023 (total sales tax of 7.875%, which includes the new tax). The new tax is projected to yield $1.6 million or more per year dedicated to construction of the community center/public library project. The city sales tax is projected to cost each Moorhead resident about $2 per month.

2023

The process to select a design professional is under way, and the Request for Qualifications for Architectural/Engineering Design Services for Moorhead Community Center/Public Library is accepting submissions. Interested parties can review the Request for Qualifications for full details and email any questions to LibraryCC@moorheadmn.gov.

Contact:
Megan Krueger, Moorhead Library Director
218-233-7594 ext. 111 | kruegerm@larl.org

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