PowerPoint Presentation (added 10/18/2024)*

Velma Teague Library 
Design Study Update
City Council Workshop October 22, 2024

Presentation Overview
2
• Design study overview
• Overview of modern libraries
• Current Condition Assessment
• Programming & Amenities Survey
• Design Options Identified
• Summary of Options & Probable Costs
• Community Feedback
• Staff Recommendation
• Consensus Direction

Design Study Overview
3
• Velma Teague Library Capital Improvement Project
– Programmed for FY2027-28
– Requires bond election
– $7.1 million placeholder (not funded)
• Assess needs of 53-year-old facility
• Right-size operational spaces
• Understand community needs
• Evaluate the campus as a whole:
– City Hall
– Murphy Park
– Velma Teague Library
• Are there opportunities to accelerate?

Why is it critical to assess VTL needs?
4

5
What does a modern library look like?
• Use of natural light
• Integrated seating
• Resilient floor finishes
• Partial exposed structure
• Free standing furniture 
solutions
• Colorful accent paints

White Tank Library
6

Current Condition Assessment
7
• $5 million investment needed:
– HVAC, electrical, controls, low voltage, lighting, 
acoustic ceiling, fire/burglar alarms, plumbing, roof 
replacement, entrance fencing, asbestos remediation
• No changes to the footprint
• No improved amenities
• No new equipment or furniture
• Sunk cost if future renovations are undertaken

Community Feedback on Condition
8
•
Needs to be refreshed – finishes, lighting, and furnishings are dated
•
Needs improved functionality and updated aesthetics
•
Patrons using other libraries because the one closest to them has not been 
updated
•
Computer carrels are outdated and occupy more space than necessary
•
No study rooms/quiet spaces
•
Community room is cluttered and not adequate
•
Book ranges are heavy and contribute to dark and unwelcoming environment
•
Restroom fixtures and finishes are dated
•
No delivery entrance (deliveries conflict with patron arrivals)
•
For a library situated in a park, views (and even natural light) are surprisingly 
limited
*Excerpted from 09.06.22 WorksBureau Community Assessment Report

Design Issues
9

Design Issues
10

Design Issues
11

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Velma Teague Library Statistics
• 15,500 SF facility
• 22,143 active users
• 10,346 program 
attendees (2022-2024)
• 18 attendees per program 
(2022-2024)
• Popular special interest & 
arts/culture programs

Circulation by Patron Location
13
Glendale - Ocotillo District, 35%
Phoenix, 20%
Glendale - Cactus District, 19%
Glendale - Yucca District, 9%
Glendale - Barrel District, 8%
All Other Outside Glendale, 3%
Peoria, 2%
Glendale - Sahuaro District, 3%
Glendale - Cholla District, 1%
VTL ACTIVE PATRONS
% OF CIRCULATION BY LOCATION

14
Right-Sizing Operational Spaces 
• On Target:
– Seating
– Technology
• Oversized:
– Staff space
• Undersized:
– Meeting
– Restrooms, circulation, mechanical
• Collections space could be reduced 
based on circulation

Programming & Amenities Survey
• Targeted Ocotillo & Cactus District residents
• Independently conducted by Polco
• 57 address-based respondents
– Reflection of community at-large
– 68% had a library card, 51% visit Velma Teague
• 145 open participation respondents
– Reflection of library patrons specifically
– 95% had a library card, 85% visit Velma Teague

Survey Respondents Patronage
16
• VTL Visits within last 3 months:
– 38% of address-based respondents 
– 63% of open participation respondents
• Reasons for not visiting:
– Lack of time
– Lack of interest
– Inconvenient location
– Unaware of its existence

What would encourage more visitation?
Arts & Culture
• Exhibits
• Local 
Performers
• Singers
• Authors
Maker Spaces
• Sewing
• Vinyl Cutting
• Crafting
• Hand Tools
• Glowforge
• 3D Printer
Meeting & 
Gathering Space
• Study Rooms
• Quiet Spaces
• Outdoor 
Spaces
• Meeting 
Rooms
Library of Things 
for Checkout
• Sports 
Equipment
• Instruments
• Cake pans
• Discovery 
backpacks

Key Survey Takeaways
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Patrons want a place to gather, learn, & create:
• More meeting/programming space
• Flexible spaces for special interest classes
• Incorporate public arts/art programs
• Specialty equipment 
• Lack of free recreational or social activities
• Lack of free gathering places
• Lack of after school or summer activities for kids

Design Study Options Identified
19

20
*
* Cost estimates were not completed on this option as they would likely 
be commensurate with Options 1 and 2

21
Option 1:  Renovate Existing Building
• $17.65 million (future dollars)
• Extensive interior renovation
• Distance to on-street and 
structure parking
• Minimizes Murphy Park
• Creates divided campus
• Unlikely ability to accelerate

22
Option 3 – Reconstruct in Murphy Park
• $17.89 million (future dollars)
• Long construction timeline
• Glenn Drive improvements
• One-third size reduction
• Increases Murphy Park by 
12,000 SF
• Unlikely ability to accelerate

23
Option 4 - Relocate to Promenade
•
$7.89 million (estimate)
•
12,000 SF City-owned facility available now
•
Shorter construction timeline
•
Cost advantages:
– Construction is already mobilized
– Can achieve economies of scale
– Lower cost can be funded now without bond 
election
•
Opens up Murphy Park
•
Project could be done in conjunction with Downtown 
Campus Remodel
•
Includes $1.5 million for Park Renovation & $500,000 
for demolition and asbestos remediation

DCRP Amphitheater Project
24

25
Improved Parking
Adjacent On-Street
Attached Covered Parking

26
Improved Street Access

27
Improved ADA Accessibility

28
Outdoor Programming Space
Covered/fenced patio
Full Length Promenade

29
Open Space Concept & Infrastructure
Rectangular open shell
Fiber, plumbing, electrical

30
Tree-Lined Street & All Glass Storefront
Rectangular open shell
Better natural light
Improved walkability

31
Home of the Glendale History Walk
The story of Glendale 
through mosaic art
Incorporating rich history of 
Velma Teague can revitalize 
underutilized asset

32
Positive Fit Assessment
Facility would meet 
space needs

Summary of Options & Probable Cost
33
Option 0
Option 1
Option 3
Option 4*
Maintain Existing
Renovate Existing
New Build in Park
Promenade TI
15,500 SF
15,500 SF
12,000 SF
12,000 SF
2024 Dollars
5,003,527
$            
12,962,539
$          
13,169,426
$          
7,895,701
$            
2028 Dollars (17.4% escalation)
2,255,482
$            
2,291,480
$            
Maintenance Needed before 2028**
2,435,000
$            
2,435,000
$            
Total Estimate of Probable Cost 
5,003,527
$            
17,653,020
$          
17,895,906
$          
7,895,701
$            
Project Year
2024-25
2027-28
2027-28
2024-25
City of Glendale
Engineering Department
Project Budget Worksheet
* Includes $500,000 for demolition and asbestos remediation of VTL and $1,500,000 for increased park scope
** HVAC, electrical, and roof only

Community Meeting
34
• 20 attendees
• Few acknowledged being regular VTL patrons
• Majority sentiment to keep VTL in Murphy Park:
– Always been a library there
– Preserve Glendale’s history
– Promenade is not a good location

Community Meeting Exercise
35
• Top five priorities:
– Outdoor gathering space (17%)
– Meeting Rooms (11%)
– Arts & cultural exhibits (9%)
– Computer lab (9%)
– 1-1 Assistance (9%)

Public Comment Summary
36
• 20 unduplicated public comments
– 14 unduplicated comment cards
– 2 unduplicated emails from residents
– 2 unduplicated phone calls
– 2 unduplicated VTL comment cards
• Results:
– 18 requesting to leave VTL in place
– 1 neutral
– 1 supportive of relocation

Library Advisory Board October 9th 
37
• Citizens comments – 4 speakers in opposition of 
moving VTL at start of meeting
• Board discussion:
– Concern about success of future bond election
– Desire to ensure a safe space for patrons
– Acknowledged attachment to the building
– Desire to meet community needs
– Request to commemorate VTL in Murphy Park
• Supported staff recommendation (Option 4)

Staff Recommendation – Option 4
38
Velma Teague Library:
• Addresses the community’s needs now
• Creates flexible adaptable space
• Improves amenities makes VTL an attraction
• Consider – Velma Teague Library & Learning Center
Murphy Park:
• Staff recommends returning VTL space to park
• Does not increase amphitheater
• No plans for other commercial buildings

Questions/Consensus
39
• Staff is seeking consensus direction from 
Council regarding the staff recommendation