NILES — Niles residents could soon have the opportunity to vote for or against a newly proposed millage to help their Niles District Library. The issue is expected to appear on the Aug. 7 ballot.

The language for the .25 five-year millage proposal was approved unanimously by the eight members of the Niles District Library Board Tuesday night. From there, the proposal will be sent to the Berrien County clerk’s office and is expected to appear on the summer ballot.

Nancy Studebaker, the library director, said if the millage passes, it would fund critical building upkeep for the next five to 10 years. 

“The library itself is exceptionally large for a community our size and because of that it is a huge investment for our taxpayers and the board is absolutely committed to maintaining it,” Studebaker said.

The funds will help to cover the cost of replacing the roof on the west side of the library. The estimated cost is about $195,000, according to board meeting documents. The rotunda, which is the older part of the library on the east side, had a roof replacement in 2017, which was funded through grant money.

If it passes, the millage could also help to cover the cost of upgrading the library bathrooms on the east side of the building. The bathrooms need to be remodeled to be compliant with the American Disabilities Act. The upgrades would cost about $40,000, according to documents supplied from Tuesday night’s board meeting.

“We are known in the state for our exceptional service to those with disabilities and special needs,” Studebaker said. “While we do have upgrades on the west end that accommodate handicapped people, our ones at the east end have not been remodeled since the early 1960s.”

The millage could start in January 2019 and is expected to raise about $131,000 throughout the first year of placement. It would apply to residents in the library’s district, which includes Niles and Niles Township residents, except for those considered to be in Buchanan School District.

Studebaker emphasized that the library has served its community as more than a place to find reading material.

“We are committed to making it a valuable asset to everybody in the community,” Studebaker said.

During the historic flood in February, the building served as a temporary shelter for those evacuated from their homes. It also provided a last-minute parking lot location for the Michigan Blood Drive because their parking lot was flooded.

The library also functions as a community center where Santa Claus visits each season to meet with children and where the Niles Area Chamber Orchestra performs regularly. Additionally, the library welcomes professionals and educators from across the Michiana region to speak and inform the public on topics, such as the life and legacy of Ring Lardner or on human trafficking.

In 2002, voters passed a 1.5 perpetual millage which is the library’s primary source for operating funding. The millage has since been rolled back to 1.482. Studebaker said the newly proposed millage would be new and separate from the perpetual millage.

“Obviously when a building needs a roof, that is essential to maintaining a building,” Studebaker said. “We all know those properties that have not been maintained in Niles and they become a problem for the community. We certainly would not want that to be the case for the library.”

A campaign committee was formed with the goal to advocate for the millage and continue to educate voters about how the funds will be used if approved. For more information, call the Niles District Library at (269) 683-8545.