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Library bond projects advance: bathroom renovations, HVAC work and security upgrades planned
Summary
Staff reported timelines, contractors and sites for bond-funded projects including Central bathroom renovations, branch RFQs, HVAC replacements and public art selections; security camera upgrades with the marshal's office were also described.
Library facilities staff briefed the Municipal Library Board on March 25 about bond-funded projects and other capital work across the system.
Staff said bathroom renovations authorized by city council in February will begin construction in fall 2025 and are expected to be complete by February 2026. When asked who received the contract, staff identified GP Cooper Industries. The Preston Royal branch request for qualifications is open and closes April 11; final construction there was scheduled for fall 2027.
The Park Forest and North Oak Cliff branches are slated for later phases of the bond program; staff said they are exploring multi-use concepts that could pair libraries with housing or senior housing in collaboration with the Office of Economic Development and Facilities and Real Estate Management.
Major maintenance and mechanical upgrades were described: full HVAC replacements at Lockwood and White Rock began recently (White Rock expected complete in April; Lockwood in June or July), a chiller ordered for Dallas West with temporary chillers deployed, a boiler replacement completed in February at Rottweiler Park, and Skyline branch improvements aligned with the CCAP plan.
Staff also described public art procurements: an RFQ for Forest Green is closed and a selection is expected this summer with design and installation through fall 2026; Victory Park artist selection RFQ is underway with authorization expected by year-end and project completion planned for early 2027.
Security upgrades at the Central Library will add cameras, stairwell coverage and badge-reader access for staff doors; staff said the new system will increase quantity and quality compared with current floor-by-floor systems. Interior light renovations and new furniture were also planned for the Sixth and First floors, and a First Floor bathroom renovation is expected to finish by the end of the calendar year.
Ending: Staff said signage replacements for Lancaster-Keith (monument sign), Lakewood and Skyline are under study for possible use of remaining bond funds, and staff offered to share bond audit and arts-and-culture presentation materials with the board.
