CADL pledges to keep a ‘strong downtown presence’ as pressure grows to stay put

THURSDAY, Oct. 10 — The executive director of Capital District Libraries said today that CADL remains “committed to maintaining a strong presence downtown” but didn’t rule out moving from its aging facility on Capitol Avenue.

Jenny Marr’s written statement came in response to an announcement by Lansing City Council member Peter Spadafore that he is sponsoring a resolution “opposing the potential relocation.” Spadafore said he expects a vote Monday.

Commenting on Marr’s statement, Spadafore said, “I remain concerned with some of the language around this conversation that appears to provide assurances that Downtown is important, while leaving the door wide open to abandon that physical presence.”

CADL’s 60-year-old building at 401 S. Capitol houses both its main branch and executive offices. It leases the building from the Lansing School District.

“The ongoing maintenance costs of the downtown building is one of the considerations in deciding about making a move,” CADL’s spokesperson, Victoria Meadows, said in an email to City Pulse Sept.27. “We don't have a timeline for this process and expect it will take a lot of time and exploration to determine what the options are, which could happen in phases,” she added in an emailed statement.

Today, Spadafore urged CADL to stay put.

“The downtown library is more than just a building — it’s a community hub that provides essential services, especially our most vulnerable neighbors,” said Spadafore in a news release. “For students, seniors, and residents without reliable transportation, CADL is their connection to education, literacy, and opportunity. Moving it out of downtown would create unnecessary barriers for the very people who rely on it most.”

CADL’s downtown facility “is a lifeline for underserved residents and strengthens our city's identity by offering a space for learning, growth, and connection,” he added.

In her written statement today, Marr acknowledged CADL’s importance “especially to those in underserved communities.”

“Any discussion about a potential relocation has been driven by a desire to increase and improve access to library services while remaining ardent and responsible stewards of public tax dollars,” Marr said. “Our goal is not to leave downtown Lansing but to explore options that will enhance accessibility for all residents in our service area, particularly those who may find it challenging to reach our current location.

 Regardless of specific building locations,” she continued, “we remain committed to maintaining a strong presence downtown and we welcome continued dialogue with the City to explore solutions that prioritize public access, equity, and community welfare, while ensuring that CADL remains a dynamic and accessible institution for all.”

Added Marr:  “Though our downtown branch has historically partnered with various qualified entities to provide space for community and social services needed in the local community, we are not direct service providers in these instances.”

Lansing Mayor Andy Schor said last month that he was unaware of CADL’s exploration of other possible locations. He said it was “important” to keep the library downtown and that he “will be actively tracking this.”

Marr’s statement today cited the school district’s commitment “to finding appropriate use of the building in partnership with stakeholders.”

Schools Superintendent Ben Shuldiner said last month that the school district would try to find a way to keep the building in use should CADL move out.  

“If CADL, for whatever reason, decides it is in their best interest to move to another building to better serve Lansing, the School District would continue to be a great steward of the building and work with the Lansing School District community to come up with a thoughtful use of the space,” he said by email Sept. 27.