The city of New Braunfels is moving forward with the next steps of the brand-new Southeast Library Branch.
The Southeast Library will be located south of the Guadalupe River and east of I-35, off Walnut Avenue, and will add a new branch to the city’s existing library system to serve a fast-growing area, said New Braunfels Library Director Cole Johnson.
The project will be funded by the city’s $28.56 million voter-approved 2023 bond, Proposition C. The 23,520-square-foot library building is planned to have a youth- and family-focused design, as previously reported by Community Impact.
Johnson said the library will act as a place for residents of all ages to connect and learn.
“We’re going to be serving the youth there, providing them all kinds of activities, access to collections, community connections and technology,” Johnson said. “I’m really excited about it.”
The local impact
City leaders said the Southeast Library reflects a continued investment in public spaces that support learning, connection and quality of life for New Braunfels residents.
The Southeast Library’s strategic placement will serve six nearby schools, including New Braunfels Middle School, New Braunfels Academy, and Klein Road, Voss Farms, County Line and Walnut Springs elementary schools, according to city officials.
Zach Perkins, New Braunfels ISD communications coordinator, said the library would provide additional resources for students.
“NBISD is always excited to see additional resources, like the city’s new library, come to our community. These investments benefit not only our students, but expand opportunities for all New Braunfels residents,” Perkins said.
Plans include a large public plaza and garden space intended to encourage outdoor gathering and extended use of the facility. Cafe services, public restrooms and book sales are also planned as part of the project, according to the 2023 bond.
The project is designed to strengthen access to public services for families and students living in that part of the community, positioning it as a neighborhood resource with a strong focus on youth and family engagement, according to the city. All while aligning with the community’s identity, with a design reminiscent of the Southwest.
Once completed, the branch is expected to help relieve demand at other library locations while improving access to educational, cultural and recreational resources for nearby residents, according to city officials.
The framework
Design work for the new library is wrapping up after City Council approved a $1.88 million contract with Ford, Powell & Carson Architects and Planners Inc. for final design services May 27.
The San Antonio-based architect firm’s contract equates to about 6% of the total funds allocated for the design and construction of the library, according to the city.
Ford, Powell & Carson created a tentative design, which could go through changes pending public feedback. The overall design was created to change how residents see the library, according to city officials on behalf of the firm.
The firm wanted to create a building that is not only visually appealing, but also safer for residents to park and walk in by placing the parking lot on the opposite side of the building from the main roads, firm officials said at a Dec. 16 open house.
The final design for the Southeast Library is expected to be completed by summer.
Construction is anticipated to begin following the completion of the design, according to city officials.
By the numbers
The library aims to fill a need from a fast-growing population. Since fiscal year 2021-22, circulation of library items has surged by over 30% from 577,268 to 773,228 checkouts in FY 2023-24, according to data from the city.
For cities with populations between 100,000 and 200,000, at least one item per capita—or one item per person—is needed to keep accreditation, according to the Texas State Library and Archive Commission website. The new library branch would allow the city to keep up with not only accreditation requirements, but demands from a growing community, Johnson said.
In their own words
Michael Capizzi, New Braunfels City Council District 2 representative, whose district encompasses the library, called public input integral to the process of creating resources for residents.
“Recurring themes and practical ideas are taken seriously and help guide decision making so the facility serves the community as effectively as possible over the long term,” Capizzi said.
Johnson pointed to the need for a “third space” in the city—a location where residents can gather outside of school, work or home.
“We need to offer spaces for people to come together and do programs, whether it’s crafting, learning a new skill or playing [Dungeons & Dragons],” Johnson said.
