Voters reject Winfield Library request

For the second time in less than a year, Winfield voters narrowly rejected a request to borrow $1.8 million to improve handicapped accessibility and alleviate crowding at their public library.

With all 12 precincts reporting, more than 54 percent of voters denied the request Tuesday while roughly 45 percent supported it, unofficial vote totals show. A total of 2,293 ballots were counted.

Winfield library officials decided to seek the same request despite last April's defeat, because the facility at 0S291 Winfield Road doesn't meet requirements set by the Americans With Disability Act.

Library board President Carol O'Connor said she doesn't know why the proposal lost at the polls.

"I just feel bad for the people who won't be able to get into our library," O'Connor said. "Obviously, a lot of people agree that something should be done, but not quite enough."

The library, which opened in 1981, doesn't have an elevator. The long, outside ramp to the main level doesn't meet standards because the slope is too steep, officials say.