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Library Commission backs near‑term upgrades, asks staff to cost HVAC, accessibility and staffing options
Summary
The Menlo Park Library Commission reviewed its 'Library of the Future' ad hoc report and asked staff to develop costed options for near‑term facility upgrades (HVAC, accessible restrooms, carpet/furniture) and staffing for outreach/volunteer coordination, with potential budget requests for February.
The Menlo Park Library Commission on Jan. 26 reviewed recommendations from its ad hoc "Library of the Future" subcommittee and directed staff to gather cost estimates and next steps for several near‑term facility and staffing priorities.
The subcommittee said the next phase focuses on "near to midterm goals" and separates physical priorities — accessible restrooms, carpet and furniture replacement, and HVAC upgrades — from programming and staffing needs. "HVAC has been on the list for a few years," a subcommittee member said, adding that the library’s role as a designated home center increases urgency for climate control and accessibility work.
Nick, the staff facilitator for the meeting, said the subcommittee previously submitted a long‑term report to the city council and is now refining items suitable for upcoming budgets. "This is the first draft. As more information is gathered by Nick from the different parts of the city infrastructure, we'll fill in blanks about who's responsible, timeline, and cost," Chair Kara Wharton said in discussion with the group.
Commissioners pressed for clarity on staffing to carry out outreach and volunteer coordination. The subcommittee described a ballpark need of "1 to 3" full‑time equivalents (FTE) depending on scope; staff recalled prior budget requests that asked for multiple positions but said only one library‑specific position was approved previously. One commissioner asked whether outreach functions should be handled by library staff or through a combination with recreation staff, and staff noted past budget requests included positions shared with recreation.
Commissioners asked staff to: consult Public Works and planning on regulatory issues and sign inventories; identify funding sources (city budget, grants, or foundation support); and return with a costed package and recommended timeline for potential February budget consideration. The commission did not take a formal vote on new funding but approved the minutes for a prior meeting and scheduled follow‑up work with staff and the council liaison.
The next steps outlined were for staff to collect cost estimates from relevant city departments, confirm the staffing model and FTE implications, and bring a budget update to the commission in February for further direction.
