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Board assigns drafters for 2045 library plan; makerspace Glowforge rollout delayed by vendor platform changes
Summary
Trustees designated members to draft sections of a proposed 2045 library plan and to research redevelopment, literacy and book-drop projects. The board also heard that the vendor for the Glowforge reservation platform is sunsetting its digital product, delaying public access to the library's laser cutter until a new vendor is implemented.
The Farmers Branch Library Board on Nov. 9 assigned trustees to draft portions of a proposed 2045 library plan and to research particular initiatives including literacy programming, additional book-drop locations and redevelopment of library space.
Trustees David and Zach agreed to examine redevelopment and future branch concepts; Lee agreed to continue work on adult literacy and GED feasibility; Kelsey agreed to lead a sound-acoustic study for the meeting room; and Ashley, Kelsey and Zach were named for other components of the draft. The board agreed that small subgroups (no more than three people) may work between meetings to avoid creating an inadvertent quorum, and that the plan will be a continuing agenda item to allow public and board input as drafts develop.
During the trustee report the board discussed maker-space access: library staff reported that the vendor the library had selected to manage reservations and training for the facility’s Glowforge laser cutter is sunsetting its platform on Dec. 31, 2023. Staff said they have identified an alternative vendor but that many libraries are migrating to the same platforms, creating implementation delays of several months. As a result, planned public access and training for the Glowforge will be postponed until the new scheduling and training software is implemented.
Board members also discussed options for book-drop locations and technical considerations such as ownership of land for bins, RFID check-in and securing outdoor bins to avoid vandalism or the deposit of non-book waste. Trustees agreed community surveys and coordination with council members representing affected neighborhoods would be appropriate next steps.
The motion to assign volunteers and begin drafting the 2045 plan passed by voice vote.
