Detailed architectural planning is underway for the renovation of this neighborhood library.
Downtown will close in the Spring of 2010 and reopen in the Spring of 2011.
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. The Library is open 39 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.
On Monday, September 14, 2009, staff and the architects provided an update on all the library projects in conjunction with a number of routine contracts for the projects. In reaction to concerns expressed by some members of the public, Council voted to: 1) Direct Library Staff and Library Advisory Commission to review additional space for collections in the Downtown Library, 2.) Reconsider relocation of Administrative Staff to Mitchell Park Library, Main Library or City Hall, and 3.) Evaluate space for additional computers at the downtown library.
At the Library Advisory Commission (LAC) retreat of Thursday, September 17, these items were considered by the LAC as the first item on their agenda. The LAC reviewed information from Group 4 Architecture and staff and recommended increasing the shelving at Downtown Library that would allow the collection to be increased to almost 25,000 volumes, adding some desktop computers for the public, maintaining the current design for the multipurpose community room, and keeping Library Administration at Downtown Library.
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
Approved Conceptual Design for Downtown
Images below from architectural plans - click for full size.
