Edwardsburg Build

Frequently Asked Questions

• How is the Library Funding These Improvements?

  In order to secure funding to begin work on the project, the Board voted to levy a new millage to address the annual loss in tax revenue due to the Headlee Amendment. The Headlee override passed in August of 2022, securing an additional $215,000 per year in additional revenues for the Library. The land for the new branch was purchased with cash reserves earmarked for capital improvements.

  Fundraising will also be an important component of this project. More details on opportunities for giving will be announced in early 2023.

• When Will Construction Begin?

  It is a bit too early in the process to know exactly when construction will begin, but we hope to see site work starting in the first half of 2023. Please check in with us at our branches or here on our website for more information as the project develops.

• Why Not Renovate the Current Library Building?

  Simply put, we’ve outgrown our space. We recognize that while an expansion to the Church Street facility could happen, we will never overcome parking issues and will always be limited by the size and shape of the physical lot itself. Costly structural issues affecting the building’s foundation are also a deterrent to expansion. The Facilities Master Plan determined that a branch 3x larger than our current space is immediately needed and the new location on US 12 will provide more than adequate space for future growth as services and use continue to evolve. The current branch does not meet patron or staff needs and is reflective of outdated service models.  A new building will provide the Library with limitless possibilities. We envision flexible, welcoming, accommodating, and accessible spaces for work, play, learning, and community building.

• What Will Happen to the Current Library Building?

  The current building is owned by the Village of Edwardsburg and possession will revert back to the Village upon completion of the new branch on US 12.

• Do People Actually Use Public Libraries?

  Cass District Library locations are true community hubs. In 2022, we recorded over 50,000 visits and circulated over 112,000 items. We issued over 840 new library cards and offered over 300 free programs. We are proud to have partnered with dozens of community organizations including multiple school districts, County parks, Midwest Energy, and the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi.
  Branches hosted 5,850 computer sessions and 7,590 wi-fi sessions in 2022, in addition to circulating internet hotspots and Chromebooks, allowing thousands of County residents access to jobs, entertainment, critical information like medical and governmental benefits, and friend and family connections. Public libraries can still be a place for quiet study and reading, but they are so much more, and the new Edwardsburg Branch will help to connect patrons not only to information, books, and resources, but to each other.

• How is the Library Governed?

  Founded in 1993, Cass District Library and its Board of Trustees exist by virtue of the provision of P.A. 24 of 1989 of the Laws of the State of Michigan and exercise the powers and authority and assume the responsibilities delegated to it under said statute. All management and control of the Library District is vested in a Board of Trustees consisting of 8 Trustees; 4 appointed by the Cass County Board of Commissioners and 4 appointed by various townships. Trustees serve staggered four year-terms. The Board of Trustees appoints a qualified Librarian who holds the office of Director.

• Who Does the Library Serve?

  The District consists of five branch locations that serve 38,000 residents across 12 townships (Volinia, Pokagon, LaGrange, Penn, Newberg, Howard, Jefferson, Calvin, Porter, Milton, Ontwa, Mason). Through reciprocal agreements with neighboring libraries, valid card holders at Dowagiac District Library, Wood Memorial-Marcellus Township Library, and Van Buren District Library are eligible to borrow books from Cass District Library at no charge. All students and educators who either attend or work at a school in Cass County are eligible for a free Education Card.

• How is the Library Funded?

  85% of the Library’s annual income is tax revenue from a 0.75 millage in perpetuity. For previous fiscal year budgets, please click here.

• Where Can I View CDL’s Facilities Master Plan?

  In 2021, CDL hired Intersect Studio (Kalamazoo, Michigan), who teamed with Bialosky (Cleveland, Ohio) to develop a comprehensive Facilities Master Plan to serve the district over the next 20 years. The Facilities Master Plan examined the various communities within the Library’s service district and provided a roadmap to inform capital improvements at three branches. The completion of this plan paved the way for the current Edwardsburg Branch project. To read the plan, click here.

• How Can I Get Involved?

  First and foremost, this exciting project is a community led initiative. We want to hear from all our patrons and community members about their experiences in our libraries and their wishes for a new library. We will be hosting a series of community engagement events in early 2023. You can sign up for information and news about the project below.