Library staff review capital projects, security upgrades and materials funding

Susan, Library facilities staff, presented a capital projects update covering completed work, active projects and planned renovations across the system.

Major items highlighted: the main library’s air-handling and elevator cab upgrades are largely complete; the roof (25 years old) has a $1.5 million allocation for replacement if needed; Johnson Controls HVAC upgrades are ~95% complete; the courtyard renovation is awaiting artist selection and final design with work targeted to start this summer and finish in approximately 8–10 months. Susan said the courtyard’s art design affects the broader renovation and the selection process had been narrowed to two finalists.

Branches and large projects: Green Hills renovation is in design (architect of record: Barge) with community meetings to follow; Hadley Park has a capital allocation (reported at $5 million to start) and staff are pursuing adjacent property acquisition before design and construction; Hermitage and other branch renovations are planned but contingent on scheduling and capacity. Old Donelson is in design with Gresham Smith as architect of record for a planned kneecap studio build-out; the project will require additional CSP funding before construction.

Security upgrades and accessibility: Susan reported an "Armor Corps" installation to make staff doors and some glassed public areas more resistant to forced entry; the treatment is described as bullet resistant (not bulletproof) and intended to provide staff extra time in an active threat. The system has installed ADA elevator communication panels at the main library to aid deaf and hard-of-hearing users, and several branch elevators and AC replacements are in progress.

Funding and grants: Susan and staff outlined capital funding sources: city 4% property tax capital allocations (the library received $2 million in December and the mayor/finance recommended an additional $2.5 million for collections, which would total $4.5 million if approved by council); a capital spending plan approved in December included $5 million for Hadley Park and other allocations including $3.4 million for facility repairs. Susan also detailed state grants for items such as adult changing tables and ongoing state funding for deaf and hard-of-hearing services; the system’s federal funding was limited to a small materials allocation ($10,000) tied to the state library services grant.

Project risks and dependencies: several projects depend on third-party timelines or approvals — e.g., NES electrical pole work affecting Pruitt roof completion, and property acquisition needed to finalize Hadley Park design. Susan said schedule and capacity constraints at General Services and other city departments affect sequencing of large renovations.

Ending: The board thanked staff for the detailed update and noted plans for community outreach and continued reporting as designs and procurement progress.