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Library requests security cameras, ADA door upgrades and a full‑time admin in 2025–26 budget
Summary
Library staff asked the finance committee to fund security-camera upgrades and a mix of capital and operating items — including a lactation pod, ADA courtyard doors, meeting-room renovations and converting a part‑time administrative post to full time starting in January.
Judith, representing the library staff, told the finance committee the library’s 2025–26 budget request emphasizes capital improvements and one personnel change. “We’ve entered into kind of a renaissance of the library,” she said, and the department’s top capital request is a security camera project that includes a new server to stabilize camera access.
The library’s proposal focuses on technology and building fixes that staff said will improve service and accessibility. “One of the biggest ask we have is for a security camera project,” Judith said. The request also covers replacement of public‑use lab and training computers on a roughly two‑to‑three‑year rotation and a migration to Chromebox devices, which staff described as a lower‑cost, centralized alternative to Chromebooks.
On building improvements, the library asked for an enclosed lactation pod for the children’s department so mothers and staff can use a private, mobile space; replacement of heavy courtyard doors with ADA‑compliant automatic doors; a single new office AC unit; and general meeting‑room renovations (carpet, lighting and furniture). Judith said the library intends phase 4 renovations to finish updates to the children’s department and administration and to replace worn restrooms and finishes. She said two of the restrooms in the current phase will be brought into ADA compliance.
Furniture and small capital needs include a new boardroom table and chairs (the current set dates to 1996), six desk chairs for staff rotation and a plan to open a seventh study room. For café furniture the library will combine a $10,000 grant from County Commissioner Bolin with $7,000 from the library’s budget to buy movable seating with power access for telework and study.
On personnel, Judith requested the current 19‑hour‑per‑week administrative assistant position be converted to full time to handle grant recordkeeping and pursue additional grants; she said the position would become full time in January if approved. She noted the library employs 55 people, about 25 full time and 30 part time.
Why it matters: the committee’s allocation will determine whether the library can complete phase 4 renovations and improve safety, accessibility and daily operations for patrons and staff. Judith asked committee members to raise questions during the presentation so the department can incorporate feedback.
Ending note: Judith said renovation plans are scheduled for design completion this winter and that the library is seeking to finish construction within the next bond/project timeline so the public can benefit from the upgrades.
