Hurst City Council OKs $75,500 for library study pods, youth shelving

HURST, Texas — The Hurst City Council on Jan. 28 authorized the city manager to buy and install new furniture and shelving at the Hurst Library for an amount not to exceed $75,500.

Mr. Tom, library staff, told the council the item was included in the FY 2024–25 budget and described plans to convert the library’s periodical area into semi‑enclosed study pods with built-in power and to replace taller youth bookshelves with lower, four-shelf units so children can reach books more easily. “This item was placed in the budget for FYI 24, 25,” Mr. Tom said. He said staff refreshed carpet and lighting in the area as part of preparatory repairs.

The study pods are budgeted at $45,000, and the shelving, delivery and installation are about $18,000, Mr. Tom said; the council motion set a maximum authorization of $75,500. A council member asked how power would be routed to the pods; Mr. Tom said power would be run along the wall and covered with cord guards rather than run across open carpet.

Council members and a speaker who identified themselves as a parent praised library staff for maintaining the facility. The council approved the motion by voice vote; the minutes record the motion carried.

The authorization directs the city manager to proceed with purchase and installation with approved city contractors. The staff presentation said the new furniture includes built-in power outlets to support students and parents who use the library for after-school study. The proposal noted the study rooms are often full and the pods are intended to provide semi-dedicated workspace that will free up isolated study rooms.

No additional funding sources or reallocation were listed in the presentation; the staff said the purchase was placed in the adopted FY 2024–25 budget. The council did not record a roll-call vote in the transcript excerpt.