HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 9503 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 9503
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council July 17, 2012
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SUBJECT: RIDGLEA BRANCH LIBRARY RENOVATION
The purpose of this Informal Report is to inform Council of the Library's intent to renovate the
Ridglea Branch Library.
Beginning September 2, 2012, the Ridglea Library, located in Council District 3, will close for a
90-day improvement project. This 10,754-square-foot facility opened in 1967 and has not
undergone a significant renovation since that time. In the Library's system master plan, "20/20
Vision," the Library proposes that the Ridglea Library be replaced with a larger leased facility, but
without funding that goal will not be realized within the next five to seven years. Therefore, in
order to meet the current demands of our citizens, the Library proposes investing approximately
$335,000 to improve the functional space, building interior, technology, and infrastructure at
Ridglea.
The goals of the project are as follows:
• Upgrade the building's infrastructure in order to provide more public computers and electrical
outlets for laptops, tablet PCs, and other portable devices.
• Gain operational efficiencies and improve the customer's experience by redesigning the floor
space — including a larger youth programming area, a dedicated teen area, and a single point
of customer service.
• Improve customer service by adding self-service checkout stations and electronic inventory
control (RFID).
• Enhance the appearance of the building by painting, and replacing the flooring and
furnishings.
• Improve security and reduce theft by installing modern security gates and reorganizing
shelving to reduce blind spots.
The Library has scheduled a community meeting at 6 p.m. on July 25 at the Ridglea Library to
present and discuss the improvements with the citizens.
While the Ridglea Library is closed, citizens will be encouraged to use the Southwest Regional
and Central libraries. The Library's communication campaign will begin 30 days prior to the
closing date and includes distributing fliers, posters, and bookmarks throughout the Library
system; media alerts; a sign on the building; and announcements on the Library's and City's
websites and social media.
Should you have questions please contact Library Director Gleniece Robinson at 817-392-7706.
Tom Higgins
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS