The Downtown Library, built in 1971, is located on Forest Avenue across from City Hall.The building is 8,774 square feet and houses a collection of books and media materials for adults and a small children’s collection.It is used primarily by adults who make heavy use of the Internet computers and public wireless network.Downtown has the only public meeting room in the library system – a very small room that holds only four people. The Library is open 35 hours per week.
A needs assessment determined that, while the size of the building is large enough to serve its users, too much of the building is taken up by staff operations that support the entire library system.The study recommended relocating the Technical Services operation (staff supporting the collections and library technology) to the new Mitchell Park Library so that floor space can be converted back to public space for additional seating and a small community meeting room.
Features of the proposed design for the renovation:
Community meeting room with 50-60 seats
Small dedicated children’s room
Group study room holding 6 people
Improved lighting
New mechanical systems
Accessible restrooms
New carpet and paint
Feedback Survey on Facility Needs - Let the City know your priorities for the proposed libraries and Mitchell Park Community Center improvements.
