Modernization and Expansion of
Public Library Services
Michelle Perera
Sunnyvale City Council
July 29, 2025
2City of Sunnyvale – Modernization and Expansion of Public Library Services – July 2025 Introduction
3City of Sunnyvale – Modernization and Expansion of Public Library Services – July 2025 Background
• Library of the Future Study 2006/2007 (include as attachment) • Civic Center Phase 2 – 2024 Feasibility Study and Outreach • Civic Center Master Plan
• Ballot Measures
2007 Ballot Measure 2024 Ballot Measure
• $108M bond measure
• 116K SF new construction, expandable
to 143K
• 59% yes votes
• $290M bond measure
• 120K SF new construction, LEED
Platinum, NZE
• 59% yes votes
4City of Sunnyvale – Modernization and Expansion of Public Library Services – July 2025 2007 Library of the Future Study Results
• Children's Services: only 11% of total space (and today accounts for 65+% of business) - lacking space for collections and programming • Configuration of library limits flexibility (very compartmentalized) • Technological demands on facility exceed data wiring infrastructure • Lacking in group study rooms, self-contained teen area, and large programming space
5City of Sunnyvale – Modernization and Expansion of Public Library Services – July 2025 2024 Outreach and Study Results
• 8,000 responses to surveys, outreach contacts, city facility kiosks, etc. • Increase in programming and event space and more spaces • Additional space dedicated to children, discovery, and programs • More arts and crafts programs
• Makerspace and teen area
• More cultural programs and world language collections • Recreation programs and classes
• Blending of inside/outside spaces
• Outdoor reading patio
6City of Sunnyvale – Modernization and Expansion of Public Library Services – July 2025 Civic Center Master Plan Success Criteria
7City of Sunnyvale – Modernization and Expansion of Public Library Services – July 2025 What are we Trying to Solve Today / Future?
• Need for new building systems
• Updated technology infrastructure
During power outage last year, 2,600 people
came to library to power devices
• Increase space for children’s services
Currently children's is 11% of building and 65% of
circulation
Early Learning Hub (0-5 space) – 35,700 visitors
Over 500 programs annually
8City of Sunnyvale – Modernization and Expansion of Public Library Services – July 2025 What are we Trying to Solve Today / Future?
• Larger and more programming spaces
• More cultural programming
Almost 10,000 program attendees
100,000 world language book checkouts
• "Third space" / Welcoming Community
Almost 1,200+ patrons daily
Services for everyone
• Increased collections
Top 10 items have a holds list average of 104 people
Top 20% of items on hold have 48 people
9City of Sunnyvale – Modernization and Expansion of Public Library Services – July 2025 What are we Trying to Solve Today / Future?
• Comparable space to neighboring cities
10City of Sunnyvale – Modernization and Expansion of Public Library Services – July 2025 Critical Infrastructure Needs of Existing Main Library
Do nothing is not an option – new building systems and refurbishments are critical at existing library.
• Plumbing/sewage/restrooms
• Electrical
• Fire and security systems
• Data/power cabling to add flexibility to deploy (not-yet-known but new) tech in new areas assuming space swaps/expansions (ex: expansion of children’s into NF wing, expanded/new program room spaces, reconfigured staff/semi- public spaces like literacy, homeless/outreach, rec, etc.) • [maybe: HVAC to accommodate repurposed spaces (ex: challenge of converting old copy room to study room/offices due to lack of ventilation)] 11City of Sunnyvale – Modernization and Expansion of Public Library Services – July 2025 Options for a Path Forward
• Library Master Plan
• City staff review data and provide CC with building recommendations • Explore private / public partnerships
• Critical Infrastructure needs of existing Sunnyvale Main Library • Future of existing Sunnyvale Main Library
• Rec & Read Mobile
12City of Sunnyvale – Modernization and Expansion of Public Library Services – July 2025 Library Master Plan
• Hire consultant to create a master plan for new and existing Sunnyvale Libraries
• Recommendations new buildings, locations, potential public/private partnerships
• Approx. $350,000-$500,000
• 18 months – 2 years
13City of Sunnyvale – Modernization and Expansion of Public Library Services – July 2025 Leverage 2024 Community Input to Inform Next Steps
Potential Options Include:
Lease space – Downtown / El Camino Real
Public / private partnership – Civic Center
Campus
Branch Library model – Community Center
Campus
Mobile unit – enhanced service, not
alternative
14City of Sunnyvale – Modernization and Expansion of Public Library Services – July 2025 Future of Existing Sunnyvale Main Library
• Renovate (address critical needs only and
continue with service limitations at lower cost vs
improvements/reconfig for expanded
children’s/program/study/etc. at higher cost)
• Renovate + expand (for benefit of new
construction for high value priorities such as
new children’s wing, flexible program room,
and/or tech-focused wing)
• Renovate + temporary location for high priority
services (ex. Children’s branch/downtown)
• New construction of similar size (60K SF current
building)
15City of Sunnyvale – Modernization and Expansion of Public Library Services – July 2025 Timing for Recommended Next Steps
Within 5 Years (assuming funding and staffing resources) • Operationalize Lakewood Branch Library (LRS & DPW)
• Explore options for leased space (OCM)
• Mobile unit – Rec & Read Mobile, Library of Things Mobile, etc. (LRS & DPW) • Superficial renovation of existing Main Library (DPW) • Explore Community Center Branch Library (LRS & DPW)
• Explore public / private partnership at Civic Center Campus (OCM & CDD) • Develop Financing Options (FIN & OCM)
5+ Years - (DPW, LRS, FIN, CDD, ITD, OCM)
• Remodel of existing Main Library
• New Main Library
• Explore future branch library locations
16City of Sunnyvale – Modernization and Expansion of Public Library Services – July 2025 Financing Options
• Currently insufficient funds
• Options
Partial cash funding
Debt financing
Public-private partnership (Civic Center)
Explore new/augmented revenue streams (September study session) • Next Step Recommendations on Financing – 2026-2028 budget cycle 17City of Sunnyvale – Modernization and Expansion of Public Library Services – July 2025 Staff Recommendations
• Use recent community input as the basis for next steps (no library master plan)
• Explore lease options as a short-term solution
• Explore potential public-private partnerships on the Civic Center campus (may reduce open space)
• Explore a branch library at the Community Center campus. • Proceed with critical superficial renovations to Main Library • Evaluate a mobile library option as an addition to other options. • Evaluate potential revenue options for this and other capital needs and soliciting Council input
• Return to Council during FY 26/27 budget cycle timeframe with refined next steps.
18City of Sunnyvale – Modernization and Expansion of Public Library Services – July 2025 Council Discussion & Questions
• Confirm priority to ensure that library facilities are responsive to demand and need
• Provide feedback on Staff recommendations
Prioritize recommendations from Staff
Any recommendations Council would like to remove
from recommendations
• Provide feedback on potential funding strategies toinform September Finance Study Session