Library Renovation Projects Update November 12, 2008
Space Planning & Facilities Upgrades Renovations address these issues: ADA Accessibility Health, safety & welfare Deferred maintenance Space constriction Technology infrastructure
Response to Questions (Maintenance) Maintenance-oriented upgrades comprise 50% of the projects These upgrades include safety, preventative maintenance, deferred maintenance & accessibility
Response to Questions (ADA) If our libraries are “grandfathered”, do we need to make them accessible? Renovation triggers code compliance Aging demographic needs It’s the right thing to do
Space Planning & Facilities Upgrades A 7 th project enables RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) in all six libraries Security systems Self checkout Inventory control Automated materials handling
Response to Questions (RFID) RFID is a GPS for library materials – “smart” tags emit a radio signal locator Priority reasons to implement this over the next five years
Response to Questions (RFID) Security Currently $280,000 in missing materials Only Bala & Ludington have security systems; close to end-of-life
Response to Questions (RFID) Self Checkout RFID is quick and simple RFID libraries report 60-70% self-check rates Work efficiencies
Response to Questions (RFID) Inventory A full inventory is staff intense Performed only once per 5/10 yrs RFID locates misplaced items in minutes Missing items withdrawn & replaced
Space Planning & Facilities Upgrades Costs estimates & timeline 2009 Ludington Library - $10.6 million 2010 Bala Library - $6.3 million 2011 Ardmore Library - $1.1 million 2011 Gladwyne Library - $1.3 million 2012 Belmont Hills - $1.6 million 2013 Penn Wynne - $2.7 million
Response to Questions (Timeline) Why “front load” the timeline with the largest projects? Deferred maintenance at Bala & Ludington Campaign momentum
Response to Questions (Timeline) Could the projects be done in a different order designed to assist cash flow? Possibly. Staff can present scenarios
Space Planning & Facilities Upgrades The Lower Merion Library Foundation is carrying out a Capital Campaign to fund $5 – 7 million of project costs
Response to Questions (Campaign) Why not establish a threshold dollar amount prior to construction? Lower targets can result in lower returns Uncertainty can result in donor reluctance Public & private-sector grants requirements
Ludington Library - Proposed Renovation & Addition 2009
Bala Cynwyd Library Renovation 2010
Ardmore Library Renovation 2011
Gladwyne Library Renovation 2011
Belmont Hills Library Renovation 2012
Penn Wynne Library Renovation 2013