Jacksonville library director says New Berlin Road branch faces $5 million shortfall; outlines master plan timing and usage trends

Tim Rogers, chief librarian and library director for the Jacksonville Public Library, told the Special Committee on Duvall Do's on June 3 that the New Berlin Road branch as currently designed has an estimated cost of $18,800,000 and that the project faces a funding shortfall of about $5,000,000.

Rogers said the library will begin a systemwide master plan in fiscal 2026 to align physical branches, digital services and outreach with changing use patterns. "Our job is to provide the best library service that we can with the funding that is proposed by the mayor and appropriated by city council," Rogers said.

The library director presented usage data showing growth across both digital and in-person services despite a smaller budget. He told the committee distinct virtual active cardholder counts rose about 16 percent…