March Director's Report — original pdf

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Director’s Report March 2022 TABLE OF CONTENTS HIghlights __________________________________________________________________ 3 Facilities Services ____________________________________________________________ 5 FY2018 Bond Program Summary ___________________________________________________________ 5 FY2012 Bond Program Summary ___________________________________________________________ 8 Austin History Center ________________________________________________________ 12 Library Priorities ____________________________________________________________ 13 Literacy Advancement ___________________________________________________________________ 13 Digital Inclusion & STEM _________________________________________________________________ 13 Equity, Diversity & Inclusion _______________________________________________________________ 14 Civic and Community Engagement _________________________________________________________ 14 Staff Development ______________________________________________________________________ 14 Workforce and Economic Development ______________________________________________________ 14 APL By the Numbers ________________________________________________________ 15 Collections Circulation February ___________________________________________________________ 15 HIGHLIGHTS Austin Public Library Announces Expanded Hours Starting March 28 Austin Public Library will be expanding the open hours for all library locations, starting March 28, 2022. The change comes after two years of reduced hours and capacity at library locations due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “We know that the community has missed being able to more easily visit their neighborhood libraries over the past two years,” stated Austin Public Library director Roosevelt Weeks. “Your libraries have missed you as well. We are excited to be able to expand access to our locations to ensure that more people in our community are able to safely access information and resources.” Central Library Hours Effective March 28 Monday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Tuesday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Wednesday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Thursday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm Sunday Closed Branch libraries Hours Effective March 28 Monday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Tuesday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Wednesday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Thursday 9:00 am - 8:00 pm Friday 9:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday 10:00 am - 5:00 pm* Sunday Closed *St. John Branch closes 4:00 pm on Saturdays Also effective March 28, Austin Public Library’s used bookstore Recycled Reads will be adding Wednesday to its current list of open days, operating 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays, and 12:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Thursdays. Austin History Center will be open Tuesdays through Saturdays, 10:00 am to 6:00 pm.  April 4. The expansion of hours also marks the return of in-person programming and events at Austin Public Library locations. Library customers will be able to begin reserving space in the Central Library’s Shared Learning Rooms starting March 28. Customers will also be able to reserve space in community meeting rooms starting Additionally, the four library locations currently offering Curbside Hold Pickup Service – Central Library, Manchaca Road Branch, North Village Branch, and Spicewood Springs Branch – will be ending their current curbside service, and all Library locations will begin an “on-demand” curbside model. Starting March 28, hours are expanding and in-person programming is returning. FACILITIES SERVICES FY2018 Bond Program Summary Description The 2018 Bond Program for the Library Department consists of fifteen improvement projects located across the Library’s facilities portfolio. The program is structured with a focus on project controls to ensure that overall objectives are met. July Program Summaries are as follows: • CLMP180 2016 Site/Civil: Hampton at Oak Hill Parking Lot Expansion & Cepeda Branch Trail: Current Phase: Design Development Cepeda Branch Trail – Project was delayed while the site area was cleared from the homeless encampment and is approximately one year behind schedule. In addition, there was a change in design consultants. The new Consultant (Halff Engr’s) is currently preparing site survey and electrical evaluation as part of the design process. APL Facilities Services is scheduling a public meeting to update stakeholders on the project’s scope, schedule, budget, and next steps. The public meeting is tracking to take place June 2022. Schedule • City submission of design for review March 2022 • 100% plans submission June 2022 • Bid opening August 2022 • Construction Period October 2022 to January 2023 • Final Completion January 2023 Hampton at Oak Hill Parking Lot Expansion – Geotechnical results validating irrigation field parameters revealed the irrigation field as not to current standards. Additional work is needed to expansion/rework the detention pond and various electrical work for the system’s irrigation controls and metering system. Consultant is reviewing outstanding issues and preparing the PER. There is a projected funding shortage of $100k - $200k. The PER (Technical Summary Report) will better identify the cost and scope. APL Facilities Services is scheduling a public meeting to update stakeholders on the project’s scope, schedule, budget, and next steps. The public meeting will be scheduled to occur after the PER is complete. Schedule • Hampton Geotechnical Report December 2021 • PER Complete late April 2022 • Public/Stakeholders meeting TBD • CLMP282 Archival Repository Faulk Building & History Center Renovation: Current Phase: Construction Documents @ 60% in progress General: Final alternate decisions are underway. The design team is waiting on final plumbing number estimates from the CMAR. An RCA for SpawGlass to increase their allowable budget may be required. Pitch Package / w Cost: to estimate the cost of Reimagining the Faulk Gensler Report is being finalized and reviewed by APL Facilities Services (ACFS). CMAR SpawGlass: The CD Estimate will be reviewed at 60% and we are making final alternate decision based on this information. A demo and abatement GMP will not be done at this time. High density shelving review is complete. A masonry investigative GMP is also being reviewed and will be completed in the next two months. Sustainability Cx Specs and Hazardous Material Abatement Specs are pending from consultants as well. Schedule • Faulk move out ACFS Delivery 3/18, ACFS Maintenance and Projects 3/25 • Construction Documents 90% Complete May 2022 • Select Demolition August 2022 • Construction NTP August 2022 Impacts The General Contractor, Spawglass recently stated that another alternate delivery project required additional Council approval of the “full” GMP. The PM is preparing RCA documents to use ~1.2M in contingency funds for the project. • CLMP286 Interior Renovation Projects – Old Quarry Branch Renovation; Little Walnut Creek Branch Renovation; Willie Mae Kirk Branch Renovation; Manchaca Road Branch Roof Replacement & Renovation; St. John Branch Renovation Current Phase: Schematic Design A supplemental amendment for the consultant to provide schematic design services was executed in January 2022. Site surveys and scope walk-throughs have been completed. ACFS is exploring the feasibility of adding a 3rd party Interior Design Firm, Demco for Interior Design Services and the F, F and E Package. Demco is one of the nation’s premier library supply and equipment companies. APL is seeking economy of scale and design efficiencies for the renovations of the five branches by adding Demco to the team. Schedule • Schematic Design Complete tentatively April 2022 • Design & Construction Phase Negotiations/w Consultant June 2022 • Design Phase Start June 2022 • Competitive Sealed Proposal (CSP) Selection August 2023 • CLMP287 Roof Replacement & System Upgrades – Carver Branch; Howson Branch; Yarborough Branch Current Phase: Design Development APL reviewed and approved the Consultants, Baer Engineering revised proposal for Roof Replacement at Carver and Yarborough Branches and HVAC System Upgrades at the Howson Branch. The next phase of the work includes 30 / 60 / 90 percent construction documents for the roof replacement and system upgrade projects. The new project proposal will be submitted to the PM and CCO for an amendment that reflects Baer Engineering revised scope of work. CCO is asking the consultant to revise their proposal with the new approved rates from their sub- consultants. This could take 45+ days to complete. Schedule: TBD FY 18 Bond Program Schedule All timelines are estimates and subject to change without notice. Construction starts will be staggered by branch location to minimize impacts to existing levels of service. The 2018 Bond Program for the Library Department consists of fifteen improvement projects located across the City of Austin.  FY2012 Bond Program Summary Description • Proposition 18: Library, Museums and Cultural Facilities Cepeda Branch Library Renovation Status A substantial Completion walk-through of the General Contractor construction tasks occurred in January and a Certificate of Substantial Completion was issued on January 24, 2022. Cepeda Branch has been turned over to the APL Facilities Project Coordinator to oversee move-in activities for beneficial occupancy and branch re-opening. The work includes tasks that are necessary for re-opening but are beyond the General Contractor’s Scope. Final punch items that remain (pendant lights, artist touch up, ADA compliance). New artists touch up of faded fresco around windows. (The original artist has passed away.) Arrival and installation of new shelving components. Budget / Cost Balance $50,583.32 Schedule Appropriation $1,240,839; Obligated $1,190,255.68; • Shelving and furniture installation - Complete • Workplace Resources to install new office furniture - Complete • Final shelving installation, estimated April May 2022 • Timeline to re-open: Tentative early June Impacts issues affecting steel may impact shelving delivery. Final project completion and reopening hinges on the arrival and installation of new 66” shelving. Supply chain Zaragosa Technical Support Warehouse Status full Certificate of Occupancy. The installation of code-required Emergency Lighting in the Warehouse is complete with Final fire Inspection and Roof access hatch in mezzanine will be removed and replaced prior to Facilities division move-in to address a safety issue. The work requires testing for hazardous materials in the roof assembly and a separate Contractor to demolish, remove and replace the existing roof access hatch. Budget / Cost Appropriation $1,185,965; Obligated $1,180,183.90; Balance $5,781.10 • Final Fire inspection & Certificate of Occupancy Issuance: tentatively by 2/25 • Facilities Services relocation back to the Zaragosa Warehouse – Delivery 3/18, Maintenance and Projects Schedule 3/25 Impacts Facilities Services staff relocation to Zaragosa Warehouse to be completed by 3/27. University Hills Interior Repairs & Roof Replacement The roof was slated to be replaced as part of the FY18 CIP Bond. However, air quality and materials testing after the February 2021 weather event revealed extensive mold and mildew damage inside the drywall system. City Consultants ALMMG determined that the contaminated drywall was a direct result of the failed roofing system. To correct the issue a decision was made to move forward with roof replacement while the branch was closed and undergoing emergency weather event repairs. Status For the past 12 months the interior repairs and upgrades include the following: • Removal of all furniture, shelving, and books for drywall and carpet mold abatement. • Installation of new TPO (Thermoplastic Polyolefin) Roofing system. • Repair/replaced sheetrock walls and ceiling. • Re-lamped all interior lighting in the library. • Installed new luxury vinyl tile throughout the branch. • Applied new paint to the interior walls and restrooms • Branch was selected to benchmark and pilot new customer entry counting technology. University Hills Branch Parking Lot Expansion The work consists of constructing a new asphalt 25 parking space expansion for the existing University Hills Scope of Work Branch Library Parking Lot. Status In Nov 2021 City soil test results revealed an error in the parking lot design. To correct, the Project Engineer (Stantec) had to revise the design plans. The General Contractor QA Construction was asked to submit a change order proposal based on Stantec’s revisions that included removing 18 in. of soil and replacing with 18 in. of select fill, per City requirements. Negotiation for the change order reached an impasse when the General Contractor QA Construction submitted a cost proposal that exceeded the 25% State Law limit. As a result, QA Construction Contract was terminated by the City’s Capital Contracts Office (CCO) with cause. A scope was developed for General Contractor Jamail & Smith to complete the work started by QA Construction. Negotiations between the CCO and Jamail & Smith concluded with a final project budget much higher than the PM’s estimate. Additional CIP funding sourced from the completed University Hills Branch Roof Replacement project was transferred to the University Hills Parking Lot Expansion Project to cover the projected shortfall. We anticipate the CCO issuing a NTP to Jamail & Smith late February 2022. The revised budget is as follows: Budget / Cost Appropriation $1,702,458; Obligated $1,616,005.15; Balance $86,453 Schedule • Substantial Completion 5/22 • Project Closeout 6/01 Impacts parking lot being priority one. There are safety concerns with reopening the branch while construction is on-going with the completion of the A recovery schedule has been requested from the PM so that we can look ahead and plan accordingly. Maintenance related make ready work will continue. The work is confined to IT connecting PCs to the Circulation Desk, exterior painting and touch ups, power-washing and restriping the parking lot, power-washing of the exterior walls. AUSTIN HISTORY CENTER Highlights The new Austin History Center Division Manager was announced on February 16, 2022. Danielle McGhee began her AHC position on March 14, 2022. Ms. McGhee is joining us from Huston-Tillotson University where she has served as Director of Library and Media Services and University Archivist since 2018. AHC staff is nearing the end of their move out of the JHF building in preparation for upcoming renovations. Programming & Outreach February 17, History of Austin Presentation to LoudCrowd, Nancy Toombs February 24, Raise All the Voices: Oral History in Communities of Color, presentation to Texas State Historical Association annual meeting, Ayshea Khan • • Statistics February • Building Patron Count 592 • Digital Circulations 83,830 • Digital Items Produced 262 • Donations (Number of) 10; In Linear Feet 12.8  LIBRARY PRIORITIES Literacy Advancement In partnership with BookPeople’s Children’s Book Team, the Central Library Youth team is developing engaging experiences around conversations that highlight “Freedom to Read,” including books and authors who are challenged by this first amendment right. The Howson Branch youth librarian hosted The Girls School of Austin’s sixth graders for selected book talks, individualized reader’s advisory, and library exploration. We look forward to this monthly visit. In February a 7-year-old elementary school student visited Milwood Branch with his father. The student was very proud to show youth librarian Jane his reading award ribbon from school! The student’s father said his son’s reading level was actually behind before the pandemic and he couldn’t believe that his son received the award! They visited the branch nearly every week during the pandemic. They thanked Jane for her book recommendations and assistance during this time and for her help. Digital Inclusion & STEM APL has a new grant initiative to support digital inclusion. Digital Navigation and Telehealth Grant Texas State Library and Archives Commission / Institute of Museum and Library Services American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funds APL’s total award is $450,000 over a one-year grant period (Dec 2021 – Dec 2022) The grant package under TSLAC includes digital navigators ($250,000), telehealth services ($50,000), and support ($150,000) The focus and purpose of the grant is for libraries to address digital access and gaps of residents, most impacted by COVID, to confidently and meaningfully navigate and access online resources. APL has six participating libraries in this learning cohort pilot. The expectation is that participating libraries use this year to build our capacity and resources to sustain these services at some level over time. Resources, such as trained digital navigators, telehealth kiosks, private consultation spaces, language access services, and partner programs are being developed. Howson Branch reconnected with the University of Texas graduate student group that hosts Neighborhood Science programs. We anticipate hosting our relaunched Neighborhood Science series in April. Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Austin Public Library has received a Libraries for Health (L4H) Grant from the St David’s Foundation APL’s award is $405,000 over the 3-year grant period (2022-2024) L4H is a pilot initiative that seeks to address some of the most pressing health needs facing communities. APL joins other selected Central Texas public libraries to offer proactive mental wellness approaches within library programs and services. Within this learning cohort, participating libraries will explore strategies to address the inadequate supply of mental health providers and the barriers to accessing mental health care. APL will participate in ways that are appropriate to the communities we serve. This could include purchasing mental health information resources, programs or services; communication and promotions; and hosting community conversations and stakeholder meetings and programs. Civic and Community Engagement The Children’s Team begins its sixth year of supporting youth leaders by mentoring two high school seniors who are interested in government and how government works. So far, the youth leaders have supported customer learning by creating Spring Break STEM kits. In addition, the Childrens’ Team will supervise four summer VISTA Associates this summer and will direct them in various ways in supporting youth literacy. Staff Development As we prepare to expand hours and resume programming, the Central Library has begun training Circulation staff to assist on floors, 4, 5, and 6. We have found many questions to be directional, library account related, Virtual Library related, etc. Our Adult Services librarians will soon be moving toward more relevant and strategic programming in Adult Literacy, Digital Inclusion, and Workforce & Economic Development. In addition, the Adult Services librarians will be involved in Community Conversations, Learning Circles, and will continue with book clubs and writing programs. Workforce and Economic Development All staff are excited about the upcoming Youth Career Fest scheduled for Thursday, March 31. In partnership with Austin Public Health, the Youth Career Fest is a career exploration event for Austin area high school students. The Fest will feature 160+ vendors including St. David’s Healthcare, IBC Bank, AT&T, South by Southwest (SXSW), Samsung, Dell Technologies, and more. Over 30 schools throughout the Austin area are invited to participate. APL BY THE NUMBERS Collections Circulation February • Digital materials 205,324 • Physical materials 268,815 Cardholders | Visitors • Total cardholders 430,729 • New cardholders 2,060 • Active cardholders 315,663 • Visitors 90,944 Website Page Views • Library website 1,551,468 WiFi Use Connections 20,243 Revenue Year to Date FY22 as of 2/28/2022 • Parking $104,101 • Event Space Rentals $163,941 • Central Gift Shop $78,125 • Passport Service $26,192 • Recycled Reads Book Store $54,900 • Total $427,259 Volunteers • 40 volunteers, 294 hours x $26.43/hr = $7,770 value Roosevelt Weeks Director of Libraries