HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021/01/12-Attachments-IR 21-10530 - Adoption of Library Facilities Master PlanINFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS
No. 21-10530
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council January 12, 2021
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SUBJECT: ADOPTION OF LIBRARY FACILITIES MASTER PLAN
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The purpose of this Informal Report is to provide information on an M&C on tonight's City Council
agenda adopting the Library Facilities Master Plan and incorporating it into the City's Comprehensive Plan.
On February 5, 2020, Council received a presentation from Library staff and Group 4, the consultant hired
to develop the 20-year plan. Unfortunately, due to the upheaval caused by COVID-19 a month later, the
plan was never adopted.
Highlights from the plan:
• For the most part, library buildings are well -maintained and are in good shape. The notable
exception is Meadowbrook Branch (District 5) which will start costing the city more to maintain
than to build new in 10 years.
• Because of the population and land growth of the city, residents have less access to libraries today
than they did in 1980.
• Residents inside the loop have access to three times the library space than do residents outside the
loop. Fort Worth residents need more physical library locations, especially outside the loop.
• Many of the library locations are small and inadequate for 2 1 " century library needs and could use
space for programming, STEM education, and space rental/meetings.
Recommendations:
• Expand library capacity by adding more library buildings, especially in areas of high population
growth. Critical areas include far north (Districts 4 & 7) and far west (District 3).
• Partner with other city departments on collocating services.
• Explore library retail locations.
• Establish a new central library that will better serve the entire city, as well as downtown residents.
• Create an operations center that would be the new hub for materials movement and back of house
staff currently located at the central library.
The Library is committed to exploring creative ways to expand their footprint independent of stand-alone
buildings but there is no denying that Fort Worth needs more libraries. This 20-year facilities plan will
serve as a guide post to developing additional locations that match the needs of Fort Worth. The plan can
be access at the library's website under Master Plans.
If you have any questions on this report please contact Manya Shorr, Director, Fort Worth Public Library,
at 817-392-7706 or manya.shorr(&,fortworthtexas.gov.
David Cooke
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER
FORT WORTH, TEXAS