The money will go toward an expansion and renovation of the library, which is the most heavily used in the Plano Public Libraries system, according to staff.
Projects include structural repairs and updates to meet Americans with Disabilities Act requirements as well as the creation of additional space for programming and study for a total of roughly $5.3 million. Meeting rooms and collaborative spaces will be added, and the children’s space will more than double with a dedicated children’s program room, according to a release from the city of Plano.
A recently vacated joint-use facility will be used for new staff office spaces and quiet study rooms. The current office spaces at Davis Library will be converted into the new program space. This plan was decided as the most cost effective by staff and architects during a preconstruction services agreement that began in March 2020, according to staff.
Construction at David Library is expected to begin in April and will continue through spring 2022. Self-service and porch-side pickup of items, such as STEAM kits, DVDs and materials for children and young adults, will still be available during construction. Limited computers and printing as well as 3D printing services will also be available, per the city's release.
Residents are invited to visit other Plano libraries—all within eight miles of Davis Library—while construction takes place, the release said.
This renovation project was included in a citizen-approved bond referendum in 2017. Funding for this item is available through the 2020-21 Library and Municipal Facilities Community Investment Program funds as well as capital maintenance funds, per staff documentation. Necessary funds are planned for the 2021-22 budget as well, according to staff.
Editor's note: This article has been updated to include information from a March 23 release from the city of Plano.
