Library seeks security cameras, lactation pod and one full‑time admin in 2025–26 budget

Judith, a library staff member, told the finance committee on Sept. 9 that the library’s proposed 2025–26 capital and personnel requests center on safety, accessibility and finishing an ongoing renovation program. The presentation included a request to replace and reconfigure the library’s security camera system and server, replace public computers with Chromebox devices, finish phase‑4 renovations in the children’s area and update meeting rooms and administrative restrooms. The library also asked to convert a 19‑hour a week administrative assistant position to full time beginning in January to handle grants and board recordkeeping work.

The requests were presented during the special call budget hearing called by the Finance Committee. Judith said the security project includes a vendor audit, repositioning of cameras and a new central server because “the security cameras go up and down, which isn’t helpful when you need access to them.” She described the computer replacement plan as a shift to Chromeboxes meant to save cost while preserving public service; the staff estimate for lifespan of public lab computers, she said, is roughly two to three years.

Why it matters: library capital and staffing changes affect everyday services — meeting room rentals, public computer access and required accommodations for staff and visitors. The library said its meeting rooms are heavily used and that meeting‑room chairs and the boardroom table date to the 1990s. Judith noted the library averages about 4,500 study‑room uses per year and said an additional study room would serve tutoring and small meetings.

Supporting details and funding: Judith said the library received a $10,000 grant from County Commissioner Bolin to help update café furniture; the library proposed covering the remaining $7,000. She described a plan to buy a commercial washer and dryer to launder frequently used story‑time lap mats and other linens. On building accessibility, the library requested replacement courtyard doors to bring them into ADA compliance and an office‑style HVAC unit to replace an inefficient unit in a staff office. The renovation package (phase 4) would finish the children’s area and update administrative restrooms that, Judith said, have not been updated since the building’s previous use as a church in the 1970s.

On nursing‑parent accommodation: the library asked for a mobile lactation pod to be placed in the children’s department, saying the space would serve nursing parents and lactating staff and would be movable for future reconfiguration. “This would allow us to be compliant with the pump, act for nursing mothers,” Judith said. Currently, private space is provided in a staff office when needed, she said.

Personnel: Judith said the library has 55 employees, about 25 full time and 30 part time, and explained the administrative assistant handles grant receipts and board records; the library averages about $100,000 a year in grant receipts and requested the position become full time in January to improve grant management and to help pursue additional funding.

Committee reaction and next steps: Council members asked routine questions about equipment life cycles and placements. No committee motion or vote was taken at the hearing; the presentation will be folded into the larger city manager budget packet for committee and council consideration in coming weeks.

Ending: The library presentation emphasized finishing a multi‑phase renovation program begun in earlier years, replacing aging furniture and equipment, and modest staffing changes to support grant administration and day‑to‑day operations.