Trustees at the Dec. 22 meeting were briefed on continuing building issues and on plans for library services that will accompany a planned children’s-area redesign.

Staff reported nine failed actuator valves and intermittent heating problems in the building. Board members and staff said the HVAC contractor, JCI, had been slow to respond to issues; City Administrator Kelly Hirsch sent a written demand to the contractor’s project manager asking for a checklist and a completion timetable and today provided an itemized list of outstanding work. Staff said crews would prioritize restoring reliable heat in the facility and then resume chiller work with a target to have the chiller completed by April, though trustees pressed for firmer commitments and possible consequences for missed timelines.

On digital services, trustees discussed patron complaints about recent Hoopla changes and said the library will increase investment in Libby where budget allows. Staff said they will reach out to patrons who raised concerns, gather testimonials for communications and press the vendor contact to order requested content when feasible.

Separately, trustees and the foundation discussed a planned children’s-area redesign with vendor Delco. Staff said Delco requires at least a $60,000 fundraising commitment before producing detailed renderings and materials; the board and foundation members agreed to pursue targeted corporate and major-donor asks and to present specific fundraising items at the foundation’s January meeting.

Why it matters: The HVAC problems affect patron comfort and programming space; the contractor’s timeline and the city’s oversight actions determine how quickly the library will regain reliable heating. The children’s-area redesign and expanded digital offerings are strategic investments expected to affect patron experience and fundraising priorities in 2026.

What’s next: City administration will press the contractor for adherence to the schedule; staff will communicate progress to patrons. The foundation will begin targeted fundraising conversations, and the library will continue to balance digital-subscription investments between Hoopla and Libby within budget constraints.