Library requests temporary relocation, design study and added youth librarian in budget retreat

The library director told the council the central library building suffers periodic flooding and that staffing shortages in youth services are limiting evening programming.

At the March 26 retreat the director said recent roof work tied to tornado damage will address some leaks but that the building’s basement and other areas still collect water during heavy rain. She also said the youth-services desk has only four staffers and currently closes at 6 p.m. instead of the 7 p.m. closing time the department historically provided.

Immediate requests: Staff asked council to accelerate hiring a youth-services librarian and associated operating equipment into FY26 and to fund schematic design for a central-library redesign. The director provided an estimate of about $181,027 for a one-year lease at potential off-site locations the library could use while a full renovation occurs; staff said the total FY26 additions, combined with other items, amount to approximately $353,000 in proposed additions.

Why it matters: The director said the building was originally a bank and requires a full redesign to function as a modern public library. A full renovation would require temporary relocation and a phased funding plan.

Council questions focused on property ownership and long-term strategy; the library director said the foundation that previously held the property owns the building outright and that staff will return with additional acquisition and finance details if council wants further review. No formal votes were taken.