REPORT TO BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
SUBJECT
Title
Discussion on the Library Facilities Master Plan
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Enhance Community Engagement and Transparency
BACKGROUND
The Santa Clara City Library is engaged in developing a Library Facilities Master Plan. Informed by data collection, coordination with other city departments, and community and staff engagement, the plan will provide informative documentation to support maintenance and upkeep of Library facilities, recommendations for optimal space utilization, and a nexus analysis to correlate long-term facility and service needs with population growth and development in the City’s General Plan. The output of this planning will be a forward-thinking, 20-year Facilities Master Plan providing guidelines and recommendations to coordinate the growth and maintenance of Library facilities and services with the City’s long-term planning and service goals.
The Library Facilities Master Plan began in August of 2024, following a Request for Proposal (RFP) and the selection of consultants Meyer, Scherer & Rockcastle, LTD (MSR). Beginning steps included information and data gathering related to the Library’s services, facilities, and equipment.
In September 2024, the first site visit by MSR occurred, which included facility tours, staff engagements, and community engagement at all the Library branches as well as at Art & Wine Festival.
In October 2024, the second site visit by MSR occurred, which included staff engagement to review building and workspace design impacts on operations and collect information and feedback. The visit also included community engagement at the Library’s Comic Con event. Engagements with internal and external stakeholders are in progress to gather further community input, including the Youth Advisory Commission, the Planning Commission, the Development Cabinet, and the Senior Advisory Commission.
DISCUSSION
MSR will provide a brief presentation on the scope of work for the Library Facilities Master Plan, accomplishments to date, and anticipated future milestones. The presentation will be followed by discussion and Board engagement questions to gather the Board’s input, to further inform analysis and planning efforts.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(a) as it has no potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact other than staff time.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Board agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at (408) 615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Discuss progress on the Library Facilities Master Plan and provide input to support plan development.
Staff
Reviewed by: Sami James, Management Analyst
Approved by: Patty Wong, City Librarian