HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021/01/12-Attachments-M&C 21-0062City of Fort Worth, Texas
Mayor and Council Communication
DATE: 01/12/21 M&C FILE NUMBER: M&C 21-0062
LOG NAME: 84LIBRARY FACILITIES MASTER PLAN
SUBJECT
(ALL) Adopt Resolution for the Fort Worth Public Library Facilities Master Plan
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council adopt the attached resolution for the Fort Worth Public Library Facilities Master Plan, and incorporate it by
reference into the City's Comprehensive Plan and/or other planning documents.
DISCUSSION:
The City Council adopted the new Fort Worth Public Library Strategic Services Plan 2019-2021 on February 5, 2019 (Mayor and Council
Communication (M&C G-19479)). The adopted Strategic Services Plan identifies new directions and goals for 21 st century library services,
organizational development, and community impact. Many of the strategic goals and objectives from the services plan have clear implications for
library facilities. The Fort Worth Public Library currently has 16 locations and two new libraries under construction and/or design. In order to
ensure that its buildings are in alignment with the strategic initiatives and community needs, the Strategic Services Plan was used as a
foundational guide for the development of this facilities master plan.
On June 25, 2019, the City Council authorized the Library Department to enter into a professional service agreement with Group 4 Architecture
Research + Planning, Inc. to develop a facilities master plan for the Fort Worth Public Library (M&C P-12354). The objectives for the plan were:
• Assess condition of current library facilities;
• Assess capacity for 21 st century library service;
• Explore alternative service delivery models and partnerships;
• Recommend current facility improvements and new location needs;
• Identify near -term and long-term priorities;
• Identify appropriate metrics to guide action; and
• Develop a realistic, implementable, and flexible plan.
The eight -month planning process covered the period from July 2019 to February 2020 and included three phases: (1) analysis of current facilities
for providing 21st century services; (2) development of strategies for the library system, improvement options and implementation; and (3)
recommendations for priority projects and long-term projects. The consultants engaged with Library Department leadership staff as well as
representatives of select City department partners, including Park and Recreation, Neighborhood Services and the City Manager's Office. The
process considered the roles and space needs for a Central Library and the branch libraries to provide services based on the new strategic
service plan. It also considered the current and projected population growth patterns over the next 20 years in relation to facility locations for library
services.
On February 18, 2020 the City Council was briefed on the plan, including the following findings and recommendations:
Findings:
• Library building are well -maintained;
• Library space is not keeping up with population growth patterns;
• Library buildings are not aligned with 21 st century service; and
• Central Library has the potential for better connectivity and bigger impact.
The Plan identifies the following general recommendations that create the vision for 21 st century libraries that are places for people and programs
over the next 20 years (2020 to 2040):
• Renovate the Library's existing branches;
• Build more libraries to provide more square footage/capita;
• Enhance library access with alternative service delivery and partnerships; and
• Relocate selected library functions.
Details about the findings and recommendations can be found in the plan that is available on the Library's website
at: www.fortworthtexas.gov/departments/library.
A Form 1295 is not required because: This M&C does not request approval of a contract with a business entity.
FISCAL INFORMATION / CERTIFICATION:
The Director of Finance certifies that approval of this recommendation will have no material effect on City funds.
Submitted for City Manager's Office bT. Dana Burghdoff 8018
Originating Business Unit Head: Manya Shorr 7706
Additional Information Contact: Marilyn Marvin 7708