Library renovation design complete; city awaits final contractor pricing and will try to keep services open

Bryce (staff member) told the commission that the library renovation design phase is finished and that construction documents have been handed to the contractor group overseeing city-center and public-safety work. Final subcontractor pricing is expected soon and will determine whether the project schedule or scope requires change.

"The design documents were submitted to the contractor," Bryce said. He explained the city packaged the library work with larger adjacent projects to gain economies of scale, and said final pricing will confirm whether the project can proceed as planned or must be phased into a later fiscal year.

The project features a smaller, staff-focused circulation desk area with dedicated shelving and an automated book sorter to speed returns-to-shelf processing, a bank of self-checkout kiosks, expanded glass-fronted staff areas, a greenhouse-style courtyard with a seed-library concept and a spiral staircase linking outdoor levels. Staff described the greenhouse and courtyard as potential venues for concerts, programming and a sculpture garden.

Bryce said the city's current completion goal is September but cautioned that dates remain tentative. He said staff are working with Lincoln Construction and subcontractors on final pricing and asked the commission to expect a public messaging campaign once dates are firm. Staff also said they plan to remain open for core services during construction, with the possibility of short closures or weekend-only shut-downs if required by demolition sequencing.

No formal action was taken; staff will report schedule and closure details when they are confirmed with contractors.