Davis County Library Board hears quarterly update on new building, temporary 'Twig' branch and programs

The Davis County Library Board met March 12 at the Farmington Library and received a quarterly update on construction, temporary branches and programming as the system prepares to open a new main library.

Library director Josh Johnson told the board pre-construction is nearly complete. He said the asbestos-removal team is expected to work for about a month and staff aim to submit permit documents by April 2, with a construction bid and overall cost estimate expected in late April or early May. “We should start construction May,” Johnson said, and the project team expects about a one-year build timeframe.

Board members were updated on several changes made during design to preserve budget and simplify maintenance; Johnson said the project team removed a planned skylight early in design to reduce cost and ongoing roof maintenance. He also described ongoing page-turn reviews (electrical, lighting and plumbing) and said contractors and the county facilities team have been cooperative in refining scope.

Staff reported rapid community interest in the temporary Twig branch while the main project proceeds. “We have had over a 100 people through every day. First day, we have about a 140,” board member Sarah Reed said, summarizing daily patron counts gathered by branch staff. The Twig is offering limited services initially; story time and other regular programs are scheduled to resume in April, and staff plan to participate in Main Street events and a family art night coordinated with the nearby Bountiful Davis Arts Center.

Library leaders also described outreach related to salvaged community artifacts from the existing building. Staff removed children’s bathroom tiles created decades ago and placed them at the Twig for patrons to identify and reclaim. Staff said they will set a retrieval cutoff after a period because many original creators may have relocated.

On temporary locations, Johnson noted the Bountiful off-site lease runs through the end of fourth quarter 2027 with flexibility to end earlier or extend as needed. He said the North Salt Lake temporary space under consideration would likely be in the 6,000–6,500 square-foot range, and that facility department resources mean no final action is expected before June.

Board members discussed staffing, a proposed librarian career ladder and a marketing plan to publicize services as branches reopen. Johnson said quarterly reporting will help coordinate manager input before implementing operational changes so staff workload is balanced during the transition.

The board did not take a formal action on the construction schedule at the meeting; staff will return with permit status, contractor cost estimates and planned construction milestones.