Dearborn Public Library

The Garden Club of Dearborn, meeting at the home of Henry Ford, appoints a committee (consisting of Clara Snow and E. R. Bryant) to initiate a movement to establish a public library in Dearborn

The Village Commission votes at its meeting on October 15, 1919, to decorate a room in the Village Hall to be used for a public library.

Henry Ford offers to donate the site on the corner of Michigan Ave. and Mason St. if the Township of Dearborn will vote yes on a bond issue to erect a library building.

Since a bond issue would require a special election and cause further delay, the Garden Club decides to approach the Board of Education of School District No. 7 for an appropriation.

The Board of Education notifies the Garden Club that the sum of $8,000 will be placed in the school budget for the year 1920-21 to provide for the salary of a librarian and the purchase of books.

The School Board appoints a Library Board to manage the affairs of the new public library. (The members of the first library board are:  Chairman, Clara L. Snow; Secretary and Treasurer, Dr. William Dawe; E.R. Bryant, W.J. Cameron, and E. R. Bryant as other members.)

A furnished room in the Village Hall supplied with thirty-five magazines, opens as a reading-room in early March. A high school student, Carrie Carlton, acts as attendant.

Isabelle L. Chaffin, a trained librarian from Worcester, Mass. Takes charge of the new library on April 1, 1921.

The first registrations and the first circulation of books are made on June 8, 1921. Earl E. Hole was the first adult applicant and Ruth Van Fleet was the first juvenile applicant to register and borrow books.

At the annual township election, it is voted that the Township of Dearborn shall establish a Free Public Library in accordance with Act No. 164 of the Public Acts of 1877

The Dearborn Township Board appoints a Provisional Library Board to hold office until April, 1923. (Members: Clara L. Snow, Frank McDonald, William J. Cameron, Clyde Ford, A. R. Little, and Frank Fellrath.)

The Library Board holds its first meeting on May, 15th, 1922. The following officers are elected: W. J. Cameron, President; Clara L. Snow, Vice-President; A.R. Little, Treasurer. The Librarian was appointed to act as Secretary to the Board.

Henry Ford renews her offer to give the land at Michigan and Mason for a library building.

The Township of Dearborn votes a bond issue of $150,000 for a new library building on April 2nd, 1923.

At this same election, members of the Provisional Library Board are elected by popular vote as members of the Board of Directors of the Dearborn Public Library.

The Board of Directors hold their first meeting on April 9th, 1923. Clyde Ford is elected President; Clara Snow and A.R. Little are re-elected as Vice-President and Treasurer respectively.

Edward L. Tilton of New York City is appointed as architect for the new library on July 9th, 1923.

The Building contract is awarded to the F. R. Patterson Construction Co. of Detroit on November 9th, 1923.

Henry Ford turns the first sod for the new library on the site at Michigan and Mason on November 20th, 1923.

The cornerstone ceremony is held on December 28, 1923. Local newspapers, a history of the library and other information are placed in the cornerstone for the interest of the future.

The formal opening and dedication of the Dearborn Public Library with Henry Haigh as speaker on November 25th, 1924.

Ralph Ernest appointed to Library Board.

City Hall Branch opens on the second floor of the municipal building after consolidation of the cities of Dearborn and Fordson.

The City Hall Branch moves into larger quarters in the basement of the municipal building.

The Southeast Branch opens at 2121 Salina on February 28, 1941. A major portion of the cost is furnished through a WPA grant.

Northeast Branch opens on September 5th, 1944, with a collection of 1866 books.  Location is in a store building at 13114 Warren near Reuter.

Isabelle L. Chaffin resigns as Chief Librarian on January 1st, 1948.

Eleanor A. Ferguson is appointed Chief Librarian on July 1st, 1948.

The Film Office opens at the Main Library on October 20th, 1948, with a staff of .5 FTE with 76 reels available.

Bookmobile service is added to the Dearborn Public Library.

Northeast Branch moves to a new library building at 12929 Warren Avenue and is renamed the Warren Branch. Book collection at this time is 10,000. The architect was MacGregor and Sherman. Cost $134,068.

Eleanor A. Ferguson resigns on October 3rd, 1955.

Edward B. Daniels is appointed Chief Librarian on July 9th, 1956.

Ground Breaking for Princeton Branch Library on November 20th, 1958.

Princeton Branch opens in West Dearborn on January 17th, 1960, with a book collection of 15,000 volumes. Located at 23950 Princeton at Telegraph, this is the fifth library to be established in Dearborn. Architects – Jahr, Anderson, Machida Associates, Inc. Cost $254,80.

Warren Branch is renamed the Anthony M. Esper Branch on October 29th, 1961. Anthony M. Esper was a member of a pioneer Dearborn family that once farmed the land on which the library now stands and served as a Dearborn councilman for 24 years.

Edward B. Daniels resigns as Chief Librarian on June 15th, 1962.

Princeton Branch is named the Clara Snow Branch at a Dedication ceremony on July 1st, 1962.

The Library Commission formally proposed to the Ford Foundation on August 29th, 1962, that a grant be considered for the erection of a library in Dearborn as a suitable memorial to Henry Ford on the occasion of the centennial of his birth.

Harold D. Martelle is appointed Chief Librarian on September 4th, 1962.

City Hall Branch moves to larger quarters in the City Hall Annex at 4500 Maple near Michigan on December 21st, 1962.

A letter is sent by Mayor Hubbard to Henry T. Heald, President of The Ford Foundation on March 18th, 1963. This letter officially requested a grant for the construction of a new library as a memorial to Henry Ford.

A letter is sent to Mayor Hubbard from The Ford Foundation announcing the approval of a $3 million grant for the construction of the new library on April 9th, 1963.

The City Council accepts the deed on July 30th, 1963, to 15.3 acres of land (at 16301 Michigan near Greenfield) from Ford Motor Company for the site of the new library.

Harold D. Martelle resigns as Chief Librarian on January 31st, 1964.

Rollin P. Marquis is appointed Chief Librarian on July 1st, 1964.

Design contract for the new library is awarded to the architectural firm of Harley, Ellington, Associates.

The Dearborn Public Library joins with the Wayne County Public Library to form the Wayne Count Federated Library System (WOLF) on June 17th, 1966.

Construction contract for the new library is awarded to Barton-Malow Co. of Detroit for $3,010,000.

Ground-breaking ceremony for the Henry Ford Centennial Library is held on December 14th, 1966.

Datestone ceremony at the site of the Henry Ford Centennial Library on July 30th, 1967.  Announcement is made at this time of an additional half-million dollar grant by the Ford Foundation, bringing the total gift for the new building to $3.5 million.

Civic and business leaders launch a drive on April 22nd, 1968, to raise $50,000 for a statue of the late Henry Ford to be placed on the Henry Ford Centennial Library grounds. The sculptor is to be Marshall Fredericks. Michael Ference Jr. is appointed Chairman.

Chief Librarian Rollin P. Marquis announces the decision to discontinue Bookmobile service and to open a branch at the present Main Library.

Glen Michaels’ bas-relief is reassembled on the second floor of the Henry Ford Centennial Library.  This mural is from Ford Motor Company’s pavilion at the 1964-65 World’s Fair in New York and is a gift from Ford Motor Company. 20 ‘ x  8’ – five four-foot panel.

Serpentine Wall”, a $9,500 sculpture by Glen Michaels, is installed in the reflecting pool in the rotunda area of the Henry Ford Centennial Library.

Dedication of the Henry Ford Centennial Library on November 25th, 1969. Total cost of building $4,200,000.

After a period of renovation, the former Main Library building at 22100 Michigan opens again as the Mason Branch on January 29th, 1970.

City Hall Branch Library closes and a Reading Room is retained at that location with newspapers, periodicals, paperback books and a small reference collection.

Full reciprocal borrowing privileges extended to all member libraries of the Wayne County Federated Library system.

Southeast Branch Library is converted to a Reading Room on June 20, 1972. The collection was offered to the Salina School library.  A collection of paperback books, newspapers and periodicals is retained for the Reading Room.

James L. Limbacher, Audio-Visual Librarian elected Librarian of the Year by the Michigan Library Association. The honor was conferred at the MLA Conference on October 24th, 1974, in Lansing.

50th Anniversary of the dedication of the Dearborn Public Library, held at the Mason Branch Library (the former Main Library building) on November 25th, 1974.

Grant of $80,000 from Ford Foundation for landscaping.

Dedication of Henry Ford statue on June 8th, 1975. Created by noted sculptor Marshall Fredericks.

Grant received from the Ford Motor Company Fund for execution of a three dimensional tapestry and a Punch and Judy sculpture by Glen Michaels for the Henry Ford Centennial Library.

Free library cards to all Detroit residents who applied, as reciprocity to the Detroit Public Library’s issuing free cards to all residents of Michigan who made application.

Paperback book collection and furniture of Southeast Reading Room is moved to the Dix-Vernor Community Center, 2651 Saulino Ct. under the management of Mr. Stan Hughes on December 17, 1976.

By action of the Dearborn Library Commission, Mason Branch Library renamed Bryant Branch Library on April 2nd, 1977, in honor of Katherine Wright Bryant, wife of E. Roy Bryant and sister-in-law of Clara Bryant Ford. Katherine Wright Bryant was a member of the first library board in 1920.

Wayne County Federated Library System’s legal existence terminated by new State law and the organization has been re-formed as the Wayne Oakland Library Federation, a State-approved library cooperative.

Dissolution of the Community Services Division of the Dearborn Public Library.

Library Commission approves the establishment of the Friends group and plans are made for it to commence activity in the fall.

Library Management Audit conducted by Public Research and Management, Inc. (PRM)

Recommendations of the Library Management Audit implemented:  1) Reorganization of library staff structure, 2) Termination of membership in the Wayne Oakland Library Federation (WOLF) together with realignment of procurement procedures to process book purchasing, binding and transaction slip services, thru the City’s Purchasing Division, 3) Increase in non-resident library card registration fee (from $2 to $25.00) and 4) Development of data processing system for the library.

With the withdrawal from the Wayne-Oakland Library Federation, the Dearborn Public Library no longer provides free lending service to residents of Detroit and of Wayne and Oakland Counties.

Re-organization of the Department of Libraries results in the combining of the Audio-Visual, Humanities and Social & Natural Sciences Division into one Adult Services Division; and the Circulation and Processing Divisions in one Technical Services Division.

The administrative position of Deputy City Librarian was abolished, as were the four senior supervisory positions of Audio-Visual Librarian, Children’s Librarian, Humanities Librarian and Social & Natural Sciences Librarian.  In their stead were established four administrative positions:  Public Services Librarian, under the City Librarian; and Central Librarian, Branch Librarian and Technical Services Librarian, under the Public Services Librarian.

Establishment of a video-cassette circulating collection as part of audio-visual services.

Snow Branch Library celebrates 25th Anniversary on January 17th, 1985, with an Open House Celebration.

Online circulation of library materials begins June 15th, 1985.

Millage referendum creates additional tax to maintain the library and other city services named: Save our Services Campaign.

R. Patrick Coady is appointed City Librarian on December 5th, 1989.

Historical Marker erected by the Dearborn Historical Commission and Dearborn Historical Society on November 3rd, 1991, at Bryant Branch Library.

Retrospective Conversion Project completed.

Branch Services Librarian, Central Services Librarian and Technical Services Librarian re-titled Administrative Librarians. 

Dearborn Public Library joins The Library Network.

Library newsletter is delivered to homes of Dearborn residents.

25th Anniversary Celebration for Henry Ford Centennial Library.

Library Commission approves Library Mission Statement on September 13th, 1996: The Dearborn Public library System will provide a full range of quality services and a balanced collection of materials to meet the educational, informational and recreational needs of the community.  Library services will include programs for adults, young adults and children.  All members of the community will have unrestricted and equal access to the library system.  Library staff will give the public effective and courteous personal assistance in finding and using library material and the staff will continually strive to improve services and collections. 

Robert A. Taub awarded the Michigan Library Association Trustee of the Year Citation of Merit Award, presented at the Michigan Library Association Conference in October. A reception in Taub’s honor was held at the Henry Ford Centennial Library on November 14th, 1997.

Library Commission revises Library Mission Statement on May 14th, 1999:  The Dearborn Public Library provides a full range of quality services and a balanced collection of materials to meet the educational, informational and recreational needs of the community.  Library services include programs for adults, young adults and children.  All members of the community are encouraged to make use of the library system.  Library staff give the public effective and courteous personal assistance in finding and using library materials and the staff continually strive to improve services and collections.

Library Commission re-instates Sunday hours at Henry Ford Centennial Library, October – May, 1 pm to 5 pm.

Internet access available for the public at all Dearborn Public Libraries.

Esper Branch Library expansion/renovation completed.

Library Commission develops Library Roles Statement: Popular Materials, Reference Resources and Independent Learning. Posted on December 12th, 2000.

Library Commission approves Code of Conduct for Library Patrons.

Fountain at the Henry Ford Centennial Library renovated with the gift from the Moon family.

Library Commission approves formation of the Dearborn Library Foundation.

Library branch hours reduced from 46.5 to 33 hours per week on July 1st, 2003, due to the loss of one full-time staff member at each location.

Job title of City Librarian and Assistant City Librarian changed to Library Director and Deputy Library Director.

Library Commission approves the Insider’s Guide to the Dearborn Library Commission brochure.

Library Commission approves the realignment of weekend hours, now ending the weekend before Memorial Day and beginning the weekend after Labor Day.

Restoration of the Reflecting Pool at the Henry Ford Centennial Library. Glen Michaels installs a etched glass bottom. (Celebration held Friday, October 15, 2004)

Dearborn Library Foundation holds its first meeting on August 31, 2005. The Foundation Board consists of Ann Knoop, Steve Roberts, Marge Bryer, Janine Brycz, Allison Fishwick, and Michael Nowlan.  

Library Commission approves Value Statements on September 5th, 2005: In order to provide effective management with ethical standards, we will: Respond to community needs, Be good stewards of community resources, Protect privacy rights of patrons and staff, Promote teamwork, Encourage use by all, Collaborate with community groups, Provide a user friendly environment.

Library Commission approves Vision Statement on September 9th, 2005: The Dearborn Public Library fosters the spirit of exploration, the joy of reading, and the pursuit of knowledge for all ages and cultures starting with the very young. 

Library Commission revises Mission Statement on September 9th, 2005: The Dearborn Public Library provides a broad range of effective, courteous, quality services and a balanced collection of materials for the educational, informational and recreational needs of the Dearborn community. 

CDTV relocates to northwest corridor of the Henry Ford Centennial Library, sharing the corridor space with the Dearborn Health Department.

Library Director, Dr. R. Patrick Coady, retires after 17 years of service. Dearborn Library Commission dedicates the HFCL reflecting pool on May 1st, 2006, in his honor, renaming it the Coady Reflecting Pool.

Maryanne Bartles appointed Library Director on May 16th, 2006.

Library Commissioner Sylvia Pressman resigns after 40 years of service on the Dearborn Library Commission. She is presented with a Citation from Mayor Michael A. Guido thanking her for her years of exemplary service on September 8th, 2006.

Dearborn Library Commission revises Library Code of Conduct on November 10th, 2006, specifically to include language regarding thief, staring or stalking behavior and unattended children.

Dearborn Public Library achieves Essential Level of the Library of Michigan’s Quality Services Audit Checklist (QSAC) on November 14th, 2006.

The inaugural project of the Dearborn Library Foundation, the renovated Children’s area at the Henry Ford Centennial Library, is complete.

Creation of logo (3 different versions) for the Dearborn Public Library by JCI Design.

Chamber of Commerce and Welcome Center offices open on the first floor of the Bryant Branch Library.

Branch libraries change from a full-service model to a popular material library model due to the reduction of nine full-time employee.

Began a reciprocal borrowing agreement with the Dearborn Heights Public Library.

Completed the renovation of the west side of the HFCL Mezzanine (third floor), creating three small study rooms, one large quiet study room, one large conference room, one kitchenette, two public restrooms and an enclosed storage room for the Friends of the Library-Dearbor.

Failure of HFCL fountain motor forcing the closure of the fountain.

Closure of the Snow Branch Library.

Relocated the Processing agency from the HFCL mezzanine to the first floor, northwest corridor (former Health Department) for greater efficiency when receiving and dispatching library material.

Launched MeLCat interlibrary loan service which allows patrons to borrow material from over 400 Michigan libraries (public, school and university) and have that material delivered to the HFCL.

Awarded a $10,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to participate in The Big Read. Dearborn Public Library was one of 77 libraries in the nation and one of two libraries in Michigan to receive the grant.

Renewal of the Reciprocal Borrowing Agreement between the Dearborn and Dearborn Heights libraries.

Beginning in FY 2014-2015, the City Council approved an additional .54 mill for library services.

Library Commission revises Library Code of Conduct, specifically to include clarify language regarding eating and smoking in the library.

Celebrated the 90th anniversary of the Bryant Branch Library with an open house serving cake and beverages.

Awarded the Big Read grant from the National Endowment for the Arts for a second time. The book chosen by the 2016 Dearborn Big Read Committee was Edgar Allan Poe’s Stories and Poems

The Library Commission approves full reciprocity with all The Library Network (TLN) libraries.

Changed library hours in order to better serve users, all locations transition to open Saturdays year-round and branch libraries will open earlier and close earlier.

Completed the Veterans Park and War Memorial and held a dedication in partnership with the Dearborn Allied War Veterans Council on Saturday, September 24, 2016. Neuman-Smith was the architectural firm and the Economic and Community Development Department was the lead City department on the Veterans Park and War Memorial construction.

Installed and dedicated the Dearborn Public Library’s first Little Free Library at the John D. Dingell Transit Center. The Free Library, which is a replica of a locomotive engine, was designed by Brenda Hay of Troop 1147 as his Eagle Scout project and dedicated in November, 2016.

Celebrated the 50th anniversary of the groundbreaking of the HFCL. Mayor John B. O’Reilly Jr. began the festivities with a short speech followed by a presentation by Shirley Damps who is a Clara Ford expert.

Approved a change to the Unattended Children policy requiring all children under the age of 13 to be accompanied by someone 18 years or older.

Agreed that the tax increment revenues generated by library millages shall be fully subject to capture by each of the Authorities (the West Dearborn Downtown Development Authority, the East Dearborn Downtown Development Authority, the Dix-Vernor Business Improvement Authority and the Warren Business District Improvement Authority) beginning with FY 2016-2017.

Received an LSTA grant in the amount of $110,000 to install a remote locker at the Salina Intermediate School.

Awarded $12,800 grant to participate in the Big Read for third time. Dearborn Public Schools chose The Namesake by Jhumpa Lahiri as the designated read with the theme “What’s in a name?”

Approved the library plan to allow the loaning of media (DVD’s, audiobooks on CD and music CD’s) through MeLCat.

Awarded $15,000 grant to participate in the Big Read for fourth time. Dearborn Public Schools chose is Lab Girl by Hope Jahren as designated read with the theme “The World is Your Lab”.

The Library Commission approved a fine free policy for youth and teen material effective July 1, 2020.

All Dearborn Public Libraries closed due to the COVID pandemic. Policies were shifted to continue service such as removal of fines, automated library card renewal, programs and meetings transitioning to remote options, and curbside delivery.

The Dearborn Public Library began to slowly re-open to the public on February 16, 2021 starting with both the Henry Ford Centennial Library and the Esper Branch Library with limited hours. Bryant Branch Library remained curbside only.

Expanded Library hours begin for libraries, curbside pickup service ends. In addition, D-Lab service began again and individual study rooms on the 2nd floor of HFCL open, starting July 6, 2021.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA) partnered with the Library to help residents complete claim forms after the June 2021 flooding. Both agencies were housed on the mezzanine of HFCL from July to October 2021.

The Dearborn Public Library officially became fine-free, eliminating most overdue fines while retaining charges for specialized collections and lost/damaged items.

On March 25, 2022 HFCL reopens on Fridays, 10 am – 5:30 pm.

The Reflection Room opened on the HFCL mezzanine as a dedicated space for quiet reflection, meditation, and prayer.

The Library received a $5,400 grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS), administered through the Library of Michigan under the Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA), to purchase VOX Books for literacy kits at HFCL and Bryant Branch, as well as technology to support hybrid ELL programming at Esper.

Library Director Maryanne Bartles announced her intent to retire by the end of 2022.

The Library Commission formally initiated the hiring process for a new Library Director, confirmed Maryanne Bartles’ final day as August 12, 2022, and designated Deputy Director Julie Schaefer as Interim Director during the transition.

The Library received a $20,920 Library of Michigan grant to enhance bilingual services at Esper Branch, finalized plans for its 100th Anniversary celebration in October.

The Library celebrated its Centennial throughout the month of October, highlighted by a historical lecture on October 19 and a public open house on October 28, with anniversary events filmed by CDTV.

Dearborn Public Library received the 2022 State Librarian’s Excellence Award from the Library of Michigan.

The Library Commission formally recognized Interim Director Julie Schaefer for accepting the 2022 State Librarian’s Excellence Award at the Michigan Library Association Conference.The Library Commission formally recognized Interim Director Julie Schaefer for accepting the 2022 State Librarian’s Excellence Award at the Michigan Library Association Conference.

Youth Services launched a new ongoing K–6 literacy program titled “1,000 Days of Reading.”

A major capital project was added to the budget to replace the underground electrical cable connecting Henry Ford Centennial Library to the City campus powerhouse, with an estimated cost of $900,000–$1 million and work planned for Spring 2023.

The Library hosted its Winter Reading Program from January 3 through February 10, launched Dual Language Literacy Days at Esper (partially funded by a Library of Michigan Improving Access to Information grant), and scheduled bilingual Arabic/English storytimes through the spring.

The Library partnered with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to distribute COVID-19 test kits to the community.

The Library Foundation received an anonymous $25,000 donation to support adult ELL programming and materials, with planning conducted in collaboration with ACCESS.

The Commission approved a formal user agreement and code of conduct for public use of the HFCL SparkLab maker space, including skill-level limitations and City legal review.

The second mural at Bryant Branch entered a six-to-eight-week restoration phase, partially funded by the Library Foundation.

The Commission confirmed the selection of Betty Adams as Library Director, with a scheduled start date of May 29, 2023.

City Council approved the HFCL auditorium renovation project with a bid of $322,661, with construction anticipated to begin in August and continue through the end of the year; additional AV upgrades were projected at approximately $14,000.

The Commission approved formal SparkLab equipment policies, materials charge guidelines, and a donation policy.

The deteriorated Bryant Branch clock tower base and nonfunctioning clock were identified for repair or replacement, with estimated costs of approximately $50,000.

The SparkLab was scheduled to open for public use on July 5, with a newly hired technician in training.

Demolition began for the HFCL auditorium renovation project.

The Commission enacted a new Public Comment Policy to provide structure and guidelines for public participation at meetings, contingent upon approval from the City’s Legal Department.

Both murals at Bryant Branch were fully restored with funding from the Library Foundation.

The Rotary Club raised $70,000 to support the HFCL auditorium renovation project, with formal acknowledgment planned at City Council.

The Library highlighted ongoing use of its Digitization Lab (“D-Lab”), a free service established in 2017 that allows patrons to convert analog media into digital formats, with plans for expanded promotional outreach.

The Historical Museum reported completion of first-floor renovations at the Commandant’s Quarters, continued second-floor improvements, sold-out holiday programming events, and expanded collaboration efforts with local businesses and the West Downtown DDA.

Adult outreach services expanded successfully to Hubbard East and West/Sisson Manor, SparkLab programming continued to grow with equipment training classes, and youth outreach programming engaged local schools and families.

Deputy Director Julie Schaefer announced her retirement effective the end of March 2024 after 36 years of service to the Dearborn Public Library system.

The Library completed major auditorium technology upgrades, including installation of a new projector, sound system, podium, and emergency lighting, and started work on a new mobile app.

The Library received a donation of 100 high-quality children’s books from the Kalimat Foundation (UAE), to be cataloged and added to youth collections at HFCL and Esper.

The Historical Museum held a grand unveiling of newly renovated exhibits at the Commandant’s Quarters, following completion of final exhibit updates and artifact installations.

Circulation Supervisor Carol Bloom retired after 26 years of service, with interim supervision arranged while the selection process for a permanent replacement proceeds.

The Korean War Veteran’s Memorial project was completed in time for Memorial Day Weekend.

The newly renovated Henry Ford Centennial Library auditorium reached full completion and began hosting regular programming, including Summer Reading events.

The Dearborn Public Library Foundation earmarked a $1 million fund request for the future acquisition of a bookmobile and expanded materials vending options throughout the community.

Processing staff began a large-scale project removing MPAA ratings from DVD spine labels and bibliographic records following the decision to eliminate ratings from the collection.

The Dearborn Library App successfully launched.

The Library Commission approved a proposal, presented by Mayor Abdullah Hammoud, to remodel and repurpose Esper Branch into a STEAM center, with an estimated $4 million total project cost. Funding includes $1 million from a public safety grant and additional allocations from Library fund balance and reallocated projects. The rehabilitation is expected to address roofing and HVAC issues and extend the building’s functional life by approximately 25 years, with a potential Spring 2025 start and an 18-month timeline.

The Commission approved additional funding to support the Museum’s pursuit of a federal Saving America’s Treasures grant to address facility needs at the Commandant’s Quarters.

Automatic renewals were officially implemented in Horizon, receiving positive patron feedback.

Celebrated the 100th anniversary of the Bryant Branch Library.

The Library Commission approved the decommissioning of the long-stored Library Exhibit Collection (in storage since 1964), citing preservation costs and limited public accessibility due to fragility. Items will be sold, donated, or preserved in partnership with the Historical Museum as appropriate.

The library introduced updated room reservation procedures for large conference spaces and the auditorium, including fees with partner discounts for community groups.

The Commission approved a formal Lending Lab Policy and Waiver, including revised language and a definition of “Library of Things” to clarify the scope of circulating nontraditional materials.

Esper Branch Closed in preparation for its remodel into a hybrid Library-STEAM Center.

Library Director Betty Adams verbally announced her resignation effective October 29, 2025.

Following the resignation of Director Betty Adams, the Library Commission unanimously appointed Assistant Director of Operations Patty Podzikowski as Interim Library Director after consultation with HR and the Mayor’s Office.