Feasibility Study

Overall Finding

While there is strong community support for the idea of a new library, the study concludes that raising $7.4 million is not feasible at this time. A smaller, phased project ($3-4 million) with a blend of public and private funding is more realistic, provided certain conditions are met.

Key Positive Findings

• Broad community support for a new library as a valuable civic asset.
• Strong belief that a library would:
  • Serve all age groups
  • Support early literacy and education
  • Function as a community gathering space
• Widespread dissatisfaction with the current library location in the high school due to limited hours and programming.
• Positive perceptions of the Kent District Library system, increasing trust in quality and management.
• Sentiment that strong libraries are essential to attracting families and maintaining community vitality.
• Several community members expressed willingness to help lead and support a future campaign.
• General belief that the regional economic climate is favorable for fundraising.

Key Challenges and Risks

• The proposed goal is viewed as too ambitious for Middleville’s current fundraising capacity.
• Few prospects capable of making large leadership gifts, and no six-figure commitments identified.
• Concerns about:
  • Middleville’s limited corporate base
  • Difficulty securing an operating millage
  • The need for a clearer case explaining why the library cannot remain in the high school.
• Some respondents prefer a downtown location rather than the proposed Sheridan Street site.

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Conclusion

The study concludes that a $7.4 million campaign should not move forward now. However, with additional preparation, leadership cultivation, and a revised project scope, a smaller campaign could be viable within 6–12 months.

High-Level Recommendations

• Reset the project goal to $3-4 million, ideally with:
  • ~50% public funding
  • ~50% philanthropic support
• Explore a downtown location to strengthen visibility and accessibility.
• Strengthen and clearly communicate the case for need, especially the limitations of the current library.
• Secure early commitments:
  • At least $2 million in public funds
  • One or more lead gifts in the $300k–$500k range
• Recruit strong community campaign leadership before launching.
• Address concerns raised during the feasibility study before proceeding.

Bottom line:

The community values a new library and sees its potential impact, but success depends on right-sizing the vision, building stronger leadership and funding commitments, and clearly communicating the need before launching a campaign.