Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Facilities Operations topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Library details roof project, special-collections move and reuse of cafe space
Summary
Staff told trustees July 15 that the Fairmount Library roof replacement is progressing as a Capital Improvement Project, special collections moved to the second floor with a soft opening and the Eastern branch cafe space will be converted for Friends use and staff back-of-house storage.
Library staff updated trustees July 15 on several facilities and operations items under way.
Jeff (staff member) said the Fairmount Library roof-replacement project is advancing as part of the city capital-improvement program (CIP project 13093) and that plans would be presented to the City Council in the upcoming council process. He described the Main Library renovation (phase 2) as near completion and said the special-collections reading room had a soft opening with regular hours planned to begin Aug. 1.
On the special-collections move, staff said the collection moved from the basement to the second floor; the former special-collections room in the basement will be repurposed for technical services and additional archival storage with compact shelving to increase capacity. Staff credited a connection with Saint Ambrose for the compact-shelving assistance and said the basement area is closed to the public while reconfiguration and storage improvements proceed.
Jeff told the board the long-vacant cafe space at the Eastern branch has not sustained a tenant over the past 15 years, so the library will convert that space for the Friends of the Library: the storefront portion will let the Friends highlight and sell more items, and a back-of-house area will be used for staff storage and Friends operations.
Jeff also summarized other operational items: the library launched a new mobile app designed to interface more smoothly with the integrated library system and improve user experience, and staff have introduced a professional-development program for employees. He said a formal grand opening for the special-collections space will be scheduled once remaining touches are complete.
Why it matters: the roof project and renovation work affect capital planning and building availability; moving special collections and repurposing the Eastern cafe change public access to spaces and storage capacity.
Ending: Staff said the projects are progressing and will return with updates as city approvals and final touches are completed.
