ElectionsThursday, November 5
Las Cruces voters approve a $26 million bond to renovate and expand Branigan Library
The Daily Las Cruces team
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.
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% |
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.”
- 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
View as table
| 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.