Council sends Velma Teague Library options to library advisory board, asks staff to combine two study requests

The Glendale City Council recorded consensus to refer two council items of special interest concerning the Velma Teague Library to the city’s Library Advisory Board for study and public input, and agreed to combine the two staff analyses into a single work product.

Kimberly Hall, the city’s director of community services, presented two CIOSI requests: one to review the library’s needs and potential historic‑designation considerations and a second to examine relocation and remodel options, including do‑nothing, remodel in place, reconstruct elsewhere in the park, or relocate to another downtown location such as the promenade. Hall and library staff estimated about 40 staff hours would be required to complete the combined analysis.

Council members debated process and public engagement. Several council members said they want the library to remain in Murphy Park and asked that any analysis respect that preference; one council member said keeping the library in the park aligns with community sentiment. Others urged broad community engagement, suggested the Library Advisory Board could convene public meetings or form an ad‑hoc committee, and emphasized the need for robust public outreach and surveys before policy decisions. One council member asked staff to remove the historic‑designation item from study because staff research indicated it was not feasible; council directed staff to exclude that piece so as not to expend time on an option that could not be implemented.

Council also asked staff to combine both CIOSIs into a single study and to return with realistic timelines, costs and community engagement results. Several council members specifically requested a pause on any park redesign projects tied to the library footprint until the advisory board’s recommendations are complete to avoid unnecessary expenditures.

The meeting record shows vocal consensus to proceed with the study led by the Library Advisory Board with the option that the board could establish an ad‑hoc committee if it chooses; no relocation or final decision was approved at the meeting.