ElectionsTop story
Las Cruces voters approve a $26 million bond to renovate and expand Branigan Library
Voters said yes to the library bond by 23,920 to 10,779
Nov. 3 election results as reported by the City of Las Cruces
Branigan Library $26 million GO bond
Sources: Noticias New Mexico, KFOX-TV
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| Race | Candidate | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Branigan Library $26 million GO bond | Yes, won | 23,920 | 68.9% |
| Branigan Library $26 million GO bond | No | 10,779 | 31.1% |
If you use the Thomas Branigan Memorial Library, big changes are coming. Las Cruces voters approved a $26 million general obligation bond Tuesday to renovate and expand it, with 23,920 votes in favor (69%) and 10,779 against (31%). The city says the bond won't raise its portion of property taxes.
The building opened in 1979. Before the vote, the Las Cruces Bulletin reported that the plan adds about 20,000 square feet for expanded children's programs, a podcasting studio, a demonstration kitchen and more study rooms. The library already runs about 30 programs a week.
“And we're quite frankly running out of space.”
Sarah Booth, library deputy director
- Master plan: finished in 2024, approved unanimously by the city council
- Consultants' guide: one square foot of library space per resident
- Project details: LasCruces.gov/GoBond
The addition would add about 20,000 square feet to a 44,000-square-foot system
Floor area of the planned addition, beside places you know
Source: Las Cruces Bulletin
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| Floor area | |
|---|---|
| The planned addition | 20,000 sq. ft. (about) |
| Library system today | 44,000 sq. ft. (for 111,000+ residents) |
| System after expansion | 65,000 sq. ft. (about, with two branches) |
| A football field | 57,600 sq. ft. (end zones included) |
Organ Mountain News puts the yes share at 68.9%. The city says it will keep residents posted on design and construction.
