Library board reviews capital projects: tech upgrades, auditorium refresh, van order and furniture

The North Public Library Board of Directors received a series of capital‑project and operations updates on Sept. 11, covering technology upgrades, auditorium refresh work, a planned library van purchase and furniture deliveries.

Cheryl, a library staff member, told the board the laptop‑vending account is closed and that staff have been tracking usage of the loaner laptops. “We started seeing actually…last year there were almost 700…above 800,” a staff member reported, summarizing circulation statistics for devices and programs.

Staff said the auditorium refresh will include a remote microphone system for main‑floor events, and technology work included a roughly $1,500 Wi‑Fi access‑point replacement and a migration from Windows 10 to Windows 11 so machines will be compatible with current software. The board also learned that the vendor has ordered a customized library van; staff said they were awaiting an arrival date because of customization lead time.

Furniture and accessibility work also featured in the update. Staff said most furniture for a reading room had arrived and thanked the foundation for covering upgraded selections; staff noted the auditorium still needs new stackable chairs suited to older users and people with mobility needs. The board discussed follow‑up on door‑handle work and ADA items, and staff said they will continue to coordinate with Neil Rene and the city’s purchasing office.

Why it matters: Several of these projects affect public access and program delivery — from improved Wi‑Fi coverage and microphone systems for large events to seating suitable for older patrons — and some procurement steps require city purchasing coordination.

No formal board votes were taken on capital contracts at the Sept. 11 meeting; staff said they will report back with procurement schedules and vendor delivery dates.