Garland Public Library staff told the board on Oct. 13 that the West Branch Library is nearing a final certificate of occupancy and is scheduled to hold a grand opening on Oct. 25 at 10 a.m.

Staff said the library is finishing a punch-list of construction items, including some millwork rework, and that earlier moving work has transferred Walnut Creek collections and staff into the West Branch. Library staff worked with a contractor identified as Library Interiors of Texas to move and shelve the opening collection; staff reported receiving 11 pallets of new materials for West on Aug. 4 and beginning installation of computers and shelving on Sept. 25. West staffing planned for opening includes a manager, a children’s librarian, one library assistant (full time), two customer-service representatives (full time) and two shelvers.

Library staff also briefed the board on planned interior improvements for North and South branches funded from the 2019 bond and other capital-improvement funding. North has roughly $374,000 remaining for interior work after facilities assessments; critical facility issues already addressed at North included window tinting, installation of a dedicated roof ladder and a new hot-water heater. Remaining North work includes interior security cameras, access control, furniture modernization with integrated power and technology upgrades to match Central and West.

South has approximately $2,300,000 allocated for interior improvements, staff said. Facilities work at South already completed includes a roof coating; future work planned or under procurement includes replacement of a large rooftop HVAC unit (staff expected delivery in November and a crane set to place the unit), updated interior security cameras and access control, upgraded audiovisual equipment in public meeting rooms and reconfiguration of some interior sight lines and children’s spaces.

Board members asked about budgets and phasing; staff said the projects will be phased following schematic design with onboarded architects and that the capital-improvement process (CIP) will guide additional funding requests if needed. Staff said the 2019 bond funds are available but that some upcoming work will require phased budgeting through the CIP process and that final timelines will depend on design and procurement schedules. The West Branch remains under a temporary certificate of occupancy while the city verifies completed exterior and final punch-list items; staff said they do not anticipate difficulties obtaining the final CO.

No formal votes accompanied the project updates at the Oct. 13 meeting.