Alta voters have rejected a $1.25 million bond proposal to build a new public library, halting plans for a permanent facility after years of operating in temporary space.
Unofficial results show the measure failed by a margin of 315 to 208—falling well short of the 60 percent supermajority required for passage.
The proposed 4,200-square-foot building would have been constructed in the city park and funded through a property tax increase of roughly 65 cents per $1,000 of taxable valuation. For the average Alta homeowner, that would have meant about $71 more per year.
Alta Mayor Kevin Walsh says the results weren’t unexpected.
Library Director Gigi Nelson says the board will continue working with city officials to explore next steps.
The referendum followed a state law that required school libraries to remove books deemed “not age-appropriate,” prompting the end of Alta’s joint-use agreement with the Alta-Aurelia School District. Since then, the Alta Community Library has operated out of the local VFW Hall, with limited space for materials, programming, and public use.
City officials had hoped the bond would provide a long-term solution. The proposed 4,200-square-foot design included dedicated areas for seating, collections, and community events, along with an outdoor classroom to expand programming.
Nelson says the current space is too small and outdated.
Nearly half the library’s shelving is in storage, limiting displays and expansion.
Walsh says the library board will revisit the design and explore downsizing, indicating that a smaller footprint—closer to 3,600 or 3,800 square feet—might better fit Alta’s needs and budget.
Some residents have suggested repurposing an existing building. Walsh says the city explored that option—but found no viable candidates.
For now, Alta’s library remains in limbo—but both Walsh and Nelson say the mission continues. 
