Library CommissionAug. 26, 2019

August 2019 Director's Report — original pdf

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HighlightsCity of Austin Budget Calendar Upcoming Dates• August 20, 29 & September 4 - Council Budget Work Sessions• August 22 & 28 - Budget and tax public hearings• September 10 - Budget readingsFrontburner Issues• Drag Queen Storytime• Austin History Center air conditioningPrograms• Come Tell It Like It Is is a National Issues Forum discussion series taking place at various APL locations. Coming up: A Discussion on the Opioid Epidemic, Thursday, September 12, 6:30-8:30 PM, Central Library; Immigration, Monday, September 23, 6-8 PM, Old Quarry Branch.• Library Live with Ricardo Parra. Ricardo Parra is a Chilean singer-songwriter and guitarist. His repertoire ranges from folk, bossa nova, classical guitar and blues. Wednesday, September 18, 6-8:30 PM, Carver Branch.• Luis Guerra is a painter, sculptor and writer who divides this time between Austin and the mountains of San Luis Potosí. He will tell stories about village and country life in Mexico that bring the transcendence of everyday events into relief. Stories de la Sierra and the City. Saturday, September 21, 2-3 PM, St. John Branch.• Check Out the Vote. Saturday, September 28, is voter registration day here at the Austin Public Library. From 10 AM to 2 PM, volunteers from the Travis County Voter Registrar Outreach Program will be available at all Library locations to assist interested citizens in registering to vote. So come check out some books and check out the vote!Exhibits• Entre Líneas, curated by Coka Treviño features the work of artists María Fernanda Barrero, Luisa Duarte, and Jenelle Esparza, celebrating women in Latin American and Hispanic communities. Historically, much of this group’s contributions have fallen in between the lines. This exhibition explores displacement, labor, boundaries, and fragility, in hopes to evoke pride and empower Latinas to claim their space and realize their important role in our society. plant life and vivid colors, revealing how water – Central Library Gallery, August 29 - September 28. Opening Reception, Thursday, August 29, 7-9 PM.To see the complete up to date listing of events visithttp://library.austintexas.gov/eventsFacilities ServicesCity of Austin 2012 Bond ProgramProposition 18: Library, Museums and Cultural Facilities $13.4 millionCepeda BranchScope of Work • Site Drainage Remediation and Interior Renovation of 8,110sf FacilityStatus• Bid / Award Phase 50% Complete. • Facilities Services anticipates a fully executed construction contract by mid-August and can move as swiftly as Launch Team procedures allow.• It is further anticipated that the Construction Period will take 90 Calendar DaysBudget / Cost • Appropriation $1,049,839; Obligated $379,458.36; Balance $670,380.64 Other Issues• Project Manager is currently negotiating with General Contractor to reduce scope of project to fiscal constraints and the Bond’s original intent. Concurrently, Project Manager is meeting with Architectural Team to verify scope and procedures.Zaragosa Technical Support WarehouseScope of Work• Replacement of Sprinkler System (life safety) in 20,000 sf FacilityStatus• 50% Complete, Ready to submit 95% drawings and specs to Quality Management Division (QMD)Budget / Cost• Appropriation $711,736; Obligated $293,379.35; Balance $418,356.65Other Issues• Construction estimate is $452,000. Project currently in holding pattern until funding is balanced.University Hills BranchScope of Work• The work of this project comprises the construction of a new asphalt 29 parking space parking lot expansion at the existing University Hills Branch Library.Status• 100% Construction Documents with the Public Works Dept. Quality Management Division for review.• Also, plans are concurrently with the Development Review Dept. (DRD) for completeness check and when approved the site plans will then be reviewed for approval with DRD.Budget / Cost• Appropriation $1,532,458.00; Obligated $704,941.48; Balance $827,516.52Twin Oaks BranchScope of Work• Installation of Solar Shades for outdoor amphitheaterStatus• 60 % Complete, • Project is anticipated to take 90 days and does not require Branch shut-downBudget / Cost• Appropriation $54,544.87; Obligated $54,544.87; Balance $0.00AUSTIN PUBLIC LIBRARYDIRECTOR’S REPORT August 2019 Other Issues• Received drawings necessary for permitting from Rotation List Civil Engineer July 5 and sent to General Contractor. Waiting to hear from them about permitting and start of work.Yarborough Branch Scope of Work• Interior Renovation of 15,120 sf FacilityStatus• Construction Period 60 % Complete• Substantial Completion is anticipated by August 26.Budget / Cost• Appropriation $984,066; Obligated $869,641.21; Balance $114,424.79Other Issues• Structure of light fixture in the lobby, electrical wiring for security gates, main signs in front, under stairs panel structure. Southeast Branch Scope of Work• Replacement of the failed precast retainers at the perimeter of the building’s pier and beam foundation. Status• Warranty towards the end of it periodBudget / Cost• Appropriation $838,289; Obligated $838,286.94; Balance $2.06 Other Issues• A list of items that need to be corrected has been submitted by the Consultants to the GC.Faulk Building (Re-Roof Funded by CoA Deferred Maintenance)Scope of Work• The project will provide for the removal of the existing, built-up roof at the Faulk Central Library and its replacement with a modified bitumen, built-up roof (approx. 29,000 sf)Status• Bid/Award Phase 100 % Complete. Facilities Services anticipates a fully executed Construction Contract with Tebben Company Inc. by July 30, 2019 • It is further anticipated that the Construction Period will take 60 Calendar Days (Start date: August 19, 2019)Budget / Cost• Appropriation $1,002,434; Obligated $913,191.81; Balance $89,242.19Other Issues• A portion of parking spaces will be closed off for the staging area for the duration of construction.Pleasant Hill BranchScope of Work• Roof replacement and HVAC system overhaul for 8,851 sf facilityStatus• 70 % Construction began Monday July 8Budget / Cost• Appropriation $1,226,799; Obligated $997,083.05; Balance $229,790.95Hampton Branch at Oak HillScope of Work• The project includes replacement of the deteriorated roof, new skylight and interior renovation 8,580 sfStatus• Construction phase at 95 % Complete• Substantial Completion is anticipated by August 30, 2019Budget / Cost• Appropriation $1,490,000; Obligated $1,375,734.67; Balance $114,265.33 Other Issues• Due to unforeseen rains this summer, roof replacement and new skylight installation were delayed. Also, currently a delay with the Fire Final Inspection is the result of Stanley Security (Consultant) failing to appropriately identify the applicable fire devices that communicate with the existing fire panel. Stanley is in the process of correcting the situation by redrawing fire plans and submitting to the Fire Marshall’s Office for approval and when approved Stanley will install all new devices and new fire panel to meet Fire Code requirements. General Contractor is unable to secure the Certificate of Occupancy until this work is accomplished.City of Austin 2018 Bond ProgramProposition B: Library, Museums and Cultural Arts FacilitiesBranch Library Renovations $34.5 millionPackage A - Site / CivilScope of Work• Cepeda Branch Trail will connect the Cepeda Branch to the Govalle Neighborhood.• Hampton Branch will add 22 additional parking spaces to the existing parking lot.Status• CCO assigned Espy Engr. Consultants on June 28.• In communications with the City’s Real Estate Office for survey in order to secure easement for the Cepeda Trails project.• A meeting will be scheduled with the Consultant in the month of August to review the scope of work with both projects and discuss project(s) request for proposal dates. Budget / Cost • Cepeda Branch Trail Project Appropriation $25,587; Obligated $0.00; Balance $25,587• Hampton Branch parking expansion Appropriation $51,762; Obligated $0.00; Balance $51,762Other Issues• None to datePackage B - Austin History Center / Faulk Library CM@RScope of Work • $14.5 million for Faulk Central Library building renovations and improvements plus $2 million for the Austin History Center will unify the Faulk / History Center Campus as a single destination, modify the 2nd and 3rd floors of the facility for minimum archival storage, retrofit the existing elevator bank and include M/E/P System upgrades. AHC scope include but is not limited to wheel chair lift replacements, lead-based paint abatement, renovation of worn finishes, lighting retrofit renovation of exteriors to redress structural and aesthetic improvements. • APL teamed up with its partners at the Public Works Department during the Needs Assessment roll up to the 2018 Bond to plan a complete renovation of the Faulk Building. The estimated cost to renovate the 110,633 sq. ft. facility total more than $58 million. Council passed Bond Guidance Resolution No. 20180809-061 allocated $14.5 million from Prop B in the 2018 Bond for Faulk’s building renovation and improvements. • Early in the 2018 Bond deliverables process a vision project “Faulk Reimagined” was commission to articulate a long-term vision for the Faulk Library. Key participants in the study included Planning Consultants, the Library Commission, the Austin History Center Association and Library Staff. The $14.5 million allocated from the 2018 Bond will interlace Phase 1 deliverables and public expectations with design and construction. The public engagement process will continue after the assembly of the entire design team. A formal public meetings and outreach plan will be a major component of the project. • Delivery method for the project is planned to be Construction Manager at Risk with Professional Design Services provided under separate Contract.Status• Project kick-off meeting with the CCO took place July 12, 2019.• RCA for CMAR Methodology approval tracking to be on Council’s August 22 agenda.• PSA in progress.Budget / Cost • Appropriation $3,401,590; Obligated $479,545; Balance $2,922,045 • Includes appropriation from FY2012 Bond• Includes appropriation from the Historic Preservation Fund Other Issues• None to datePackage C - Interior Renovations CSPScope of Work • The Old Quarry Branch Library includes the replacement of interior finishes, furniture, fixtures and equipment.• Little Walnut Creek Branch includes select demolition and replacement of the standing seam roof, rebuilding the ADA Ramp, interior finishes, furniture, fixtures and equipment.• Manchaca Rd. Branch includes roof replacement, HVAC Controls upgrades and retrofit of obsolete electrical power distribution system and replacement of interior finishes, furniture, fixtures, and equipment. Requires Cx Agent to assist Facilities Services with refining HVAC functional requirements and system testing.• Willie Mae Kirk Branch includes replacement of interior finishes, furniture, fixtures and equipment to repurpose the facility as a technology-rich Learning Center.• St. John Branch includes the replacement of interior finishes, furniture, fixtures and equipment.Status• Project kick-off meeting with the CCO occured July 26.Budget / Cost • Appropriation $745,261; Obligated $30,722; Balance $714,539 Includes appropriation from FY2012 BondOther Issues• None to datePackage D - Roof Replacement & System Upgrades (IFB Tentative)Scope of Work • Ruiz Branch includes roofing system rehabilitation to extend the life of the existing built-up modified bitumen roofing system.• Carver Branch includes roofing system rehabilitation to extend the life of the existing built-up modified bitumen roofing system. Upgrade or replacement of HVAC system, dehumidifying equipment, air handling units, electrical support of mechanical system, and lightning protection system.• University Hills includes roofing system rehabilitation to extend the life of the existing built-up modified bitumen roofing system.• Howson Branch includes HVAC and Controls upgrade or replacement.• Spicewood Springs Branch includes roofing system rehabilitation to extend the life of the existing built-up roof.• Yarbrough Branch includes roofing system rehabilitation to extend the life of the existing built-up modified bitumen roofing system. Upgrade or replacement of the rooftop HVAC system, upgrading of the roof drainage system, repair and replacement of clerestories, and upgrade of lightning protection system. Status• Kick-off/W CCO occurred July 26.• Next steps include PSA Solicitation / Qualifications / Negotiations.Budget / Cost • Appropriation $673,169; Obligated $0.00; Balance $673,169 Other Issues• None to dateAustin History CenterProgramming & Outreach• The AHC continues its “Know Your District History” series, with a feature on District 7 at the North Village Branch on July 13. 25 people attended the event, with many staying for an hour or more sharing stories about their neighborhood and Austin. The AHC acquired a few donations documenting the stories of some of the neighborhoods in that area. Collections• AHC staff finished processing 3 collections, the Powell Shepherd Papers, the KhushATX Records, and the Austin Taiwanese Association Records. The finding aids are available online at: http://www.lib.utexas.edu/taro/browse/browse_ahc1.html.• The AHC acquired 6 linear feet of additions, dated 2012 to 2019, to the PODER Records (AR.2012.015) to bring this heavily used collection documenting grassroots efforts on in East Austin up-to-date. We also received family papers documenting Charles B. and Fran Normann that contain information about the Hyde Park Neighborhood Association, Austin State Hospital, and the Texas School of Fine Arts. Charles B. Norman was an artist and art instructor, and Fran Normann was involved in local organizations.Exhibits• The AHC opened its newest exhibit, “Treat Me Like a Saturday Night: The Joe Ely Photographs from the Cindy Light Collection,” on Tuesday, July 30. The exhibit features the work of local photographer Cindy Light, who has been the “official” photographer of the Joe Ely band for most of their time in Austin. Over 75 people attended the opening, including Ely and his bandmates. The exhibit is on display in the David Earl Holt Photo Gallery through October 27, 2019. Reference• Research was conducted at the AHC and photos from the AHC were purchased for use in an upcoming history of Alberto Gonzalo Garcia, upcoming books As Good as it Was: School Reform Cannot Regain What Was Destroyed (Academie St. John Press) and a biography of Texas Ranger Lee T. Hall (UNT Press), upcoming documentary films “Pushout” and “Porvenir, Texas” (PBS), broadcast news stories about the moon landing (Fox 7 Austin) and the history of I-35 (CBS-Austin), an Austin American Statesman article about the UT Field Lab, the cover story about Austin Pride for the Austin Chronicle, an article for the Texas Restaurant Association newsletter, and for public display at the Carver Museum. Upcoming Programs• August 24, 2019, 10 AM -2 PM, AHC. ACTV Collection Pop-Up Exhibit• September 14, 2019, 2 PM, AHC. Barton Creek book talk with author Ed Crowell• September 22, 2019. 12-4 PM, AHC. Know Your District History – District 9• October 8, 2019. 6:30 PM. JHF. Mayor’s Book Club/APL History, in partnership with the Library Foundation.• October 19, 2019. 12-4 PM, Old Quarry Branch. Know Your District History – District 10• October, date and time TBD. “Unearthing Haunted Austin.”• November 4, 2019. 6:30 PM. AHC. Opening Reception for St. Edward’s University “Documenting Austin” photography exhibit.• November 12, 2019. 2-4 PM. University Hills Branch. Know Your District History - District 1.• December 7, 2019. 12-4 PM. Hampton Branch at Oak Hill. Know Your District History - District 8.Library PrioritiesLiteracy Advancement• Summer Reading Program was in full swing during July. Children who participated in the reading program could bring their reading logs in to any branch to receive their prize, a new paperback book to keep. Events this year included performances by the Austin Symphony, Buffalo soldiers, Austin Reptile Show, and APL’s own Literature Live puppet shows.• The Teen Writer’s Masterclass series at Central was filled to capacity. Young writers learned concrete skills and exercises for crafting characters. The session was taught by Badgerdog instructor and short-short story author, Nick Almeida. Digital Inclusion & STEM• A number of events for teens were offered, including College Planning Workshops at Howson and Old Quarry, Python Coding at Milwood, and Library Escape Room at Little Walnut.• Making films is complex, but APL Studios at the Central Library makes it easy. In July teens learned how to write a screenplay, produce, film, edit, and market a movie from Austin Film Society experts and guest instructors.• At a Central Library Tween Pop-Up Program about synthesizers, tweens learned about amplitude, pitch, modulation, waveform envelopes, and more.Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion• Central Library is hosting a monthly naturalization ceremony for people completing the process of becoming a U.S. citizen.• Many students and their families may not be familiar with the pathways to education after high school. Windsor Park Branch’s “Navigate: Junior Academy” provides information to begin preparing for success.• Texas Buffalo Soldiers brought history to life with stories, costumes and tools at several branches. Participants learned about the role and contributions African American regiments made to the United States of America.• Community Archivist Marina Islas taught a curriculum at Academia Cuauhtli, which is a class for students to be taught local history in Spanish.Workforce and Economic Development• Milwood Branch offers classes in Agile Project Management which is one of the most in-demand software design systems right now and is used at multiple technology companies in Austin. The class also educates attendees on how to use elements of Agile Project Management to get a job at one of these tech companies.Civic and Community Engagement• Although there was plenty for children and families to do at the Library during July, we didn’t forget adults! Some of the events for adults at the branches included: Terrarium Making at University Hills; Memoir Writing with author Spike Gillespie at Cepeda; and Library Escape Room at Little Walnut.• We also want to recognize community partners and other City departments that were in our branches in July: Mexic-Arte Museum’s Nuestra Lucha Summer Camp at Southeast; Austin Library Foundation and Badgerdog’s Library Love Workshop at Spicewood Springs; Recycled Reads and Austin Resource Recovery’s Repair Series (soldering) at Old Quarry; University of Texas’ “Exploring Our Brains” camp at Ruiz; and Economic Development Department’s Small Business Development serires at Ruiz.Staff Development• APL had a recruitment table at the City of Austin Community Job Fair held at Austin Community College, Eastview Campus on July 23. Library HR staff spoke with potential applicants about our Building & Grounds and Security positions. APL By the NumbersPerformance Indicators for JulyVisitors 302,755Circulation 511,423Number of computer sessions 47,053Number of wifi sessions 47,863Number of programs 682RevenueDuring July, Recycled Reads Bookstore generated $11,000, and received and sorted 70,000 items, keeping 23 tons of materials out of the landfill.Gift Shop revenue was $28,685.* Events Revenue was $36,870.*Parking Revenue was $39,476.**These numbers are not from the official accounting record.All revenue comes back to the Library.VolunteersJuly Number of Volunteers 262Total Volunteer hours 1907.15Total Value* $47,087.53*Volunteer Value Rate $24.69 per hour.PoliciesThe APL Youth Policies Task Force has completed their study. Findings and recommendations will be presented at the August 26 Library Commission meeting.Roosevelt WeeksDirector of Libraries