The Bemidji City Council wants to build a new Library Park, but the city's 102-year-old Carnegie Library isn't in the plans.

Estimated cost of renovating and expanding the old library is $1 million, so the council voted last fall — and reiterated its decision this week — to go ahead with new library plans, said the Bemidji Pioneer.

Supporters of the old library, which is on the National Register of Historic Places, would like to raise money for renovations and restoration, but the council's action are making that harder.

If the council wants to demolish or move the old library, it's very hard to raise money for restoration, said Alan Brew, chairman of the city’s Heritage Preservation Commission. 

Said Council Member Greg Negard: “I like old things, old buildings as much as anybody does, but it comes down to what makes sense for the dollar, for the tax dollar. I can’t support it. I would not vote to put one city tax dollar into it.”

Industrialist Andrew Carnegie provided funds to build thousands of libraries around the world, including 66 libraries in Minnesota between 1902 and 1918; 48 remain and 22 are still working libraries.