Madison citizens expressed their support for the capital budget and construction of a new Central Library at Tuesday's Common Council meeting.
Many citizens cited the Central Library's contribution to a vibrant downtown atmosphere, the number of jobs to be created during its construction and the unique economic situation as the key reasons for its importance.
""It's a very important investment the city should make in order to promote a community presence,"" Todd Striker said. ""It's the consolidation of knowledge for our community.""
Supporters said the proposed library would act as a public meeting place and a hub for the other libraries in the Madison system. It would give depth to the system through specialized sources unavailable in the smaller branches.
Scott Vaughn, a member of the Madison Board of Public Works, said the new Central Library would create 200 to 300 construction jobs. According to a member of the Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, 20 percent of workers in the organization are out of work and are counting on the project for a job.
Vaughn also said the current economic climate provides the perfect opportunity to build the library and waiting would only cost the city more in the future.
""In this highly competitive construction environment the city will get great bid prices for this project,"" he said.
The council also voted to approve the report of the Alcohol License Review Committee, which recommended that the downtown Kollege Klub bar have its liquor license suspended from mid-December to early January.
