Week of SEPTEMBER 14-19

SUCCESSFUL BID PROCESS…ANAHEIM, WE HAVE A GO…..
Yesterday afternoon, the Central Library construction bid process completed a major milestone. Anaheim’s Public Works Department received multiple bids from contractors to do the work on this renovation (thank you Rick Brown for spending hours assisting prospective contactors with access and information about Central). When the bids were opened, all the hard work and expertise of our architect Jim Nardini, project manager Tom Clark, and especially, our contract manager Richard Aguirre was rewarded. The construction costs for this project can be done within the project budget. This is a giant step…because it means that the City has the funds to authorize a contract and begin construction.

GETTING THE NEWS OUT…..
Next week begins a multi phase publicity campaign to inform our users and our community about the major changes coming to the Central Library. The kickoff will start with internal notification to our current users. Attached is a link to the bookmark/sign to be distributed and posted that gives preliminary information about the project: http://www2.anaheim.net/images/default/docs/library/RenovationQuestions.pdf
Marianne Hugo and Lori Shensky are the creative directors and are currently working on FAQ handouts, designing signs and banners, planning web site updates and press releases. As more details about hours, services, etc are confirmed, updates will be released regularly to staff and public.

AND THE NAME IS……
Thanks to everyone who sent a “name” suggestion for the Interim facility. None of the suggestions were chosen, so the “winner” will be drawn from those who submitted suggestions at the Division Meeting on Thursday morning at Central Library and “You do not need to be present to win”. After discussion and brainstorming, it was decided to be clear and direct, so…the Interim facility will be named: Adult/Teen Library and Central will have banners/signs, Children/Jr. High Library.

FROM WILLDAN TO ADULT/TEEN LIBRARY......
The proposed interim building at 290 S. Anaheim has been vacant for a number of years. This is creating a series of challenges that require collaboration among multiple City departments to address and resolve. Yesterday representatives from Fire (Safety), Planning (Codes), Public Works (ADA Compliance); Community Development (Landlord), Facility Maintenance (cleaning/building systems), and Library (tenant/operator) walked the building to identify barriers to operation… After an hour in a very hot/dirty building, all the attendees left with specific tasks and responsibilities. The level of cooperation from all other City employees, also stretched thin and coping with more work, made me very proud to work for the City of Anaheim. When we open, I think a plaque needs to be posted: “This interim service is brought to you through the combined efforts and dedication of a talented Anaheim team representing multiple departments and expertise.”

FROM CENTRAL TO CHILDREN/JR. HIGH LIBRARY......
The shift from 3 floors of public service to only ½ of the 1st floor for circulation, collections, computers and programs for families, children, and students through junior high means things are moving….literally. Collections are and will be shifted; self checks, security systems, service desks, staff space….all are being emptied and relocated. Unfortunately, unlike Cinderella whose fairy godmother made all the changes with the “wave of the wand”, our changes will be happening slowly, but purposefully over the next six to eight weeks. Rick Brown is taking the lead on the space and furnishings at ATL (guess what that abbreviates) and the proposed floor plan. Shrinking CJL is the magic expected of Irma Lorah, Kathy Pezzetti and Karen Gerth. And of course, Tom Edelblute, Rick Pascoe, Amir Currim and Kook Kim have to manage technology at both.

TIMELINES AND IMPACTS......
The calendar for construction is to award a bid on October 13. This means that construction will begin around November 9. The occupant readiness of the interim Adult/Teen Library building will determine when a transfer of service to 290 S. Anaheim will take place. At this time, the “moving schedule” is sometime between October 15 and November 14. Of course, that will be narrowed as we have more information. Once a plan for physical space, furnishings and equipment has been determined, attention will shift to staff placement and service adjustments…in the meantime, keep your questions coming….It is so much easier to plan for an identified challenge than to react to a crisis…