Specifications include, but are not limited to: his project will include completion of design and construction activities for three library branch remodels, with scopes of work based on the improvements identified in Focused on Community: A Master Plan for the City of Wichita’s Branch Library System, 2019-2023, endorsed by the City Council on June 11, 2019. • Alford: This report recommends that the interior space of the twenty-year old Alford Regional Library facility be remodeled to enhance technology access and workforce development programming. • Angelou: The report also identifies interior remodeling to the Maya Angelou branch and a reading solarium will be added to expand public seating. • Rockwell: As a result of COVID-19 learnings regarding public spaces, how communities are choosing to use their libraries, and Wichita Public Library Foundation’s capital fundraising, Rockwell will be expanded by approximately 4,500 square feet to improve the children’s area and conference space. Exterior improvements will include expanded drop-off access and outdoor amenities. This facility too will experience a remodel of its interior. These additional features will assist the Wichita Public Library system to create dynamic family engagement activities intended to improve kindergarten readiness, flexible and attractive community gathering spaces, and to include technological enhancements that assist in bridging the digital divide. In 2020, preliminary schematics were drafted to reflect the service and programming space needs as identified in the Master Plan. As a result of the pandemic and experiences with initial library system branch remodels since then, such schematics were updated in 2022 to integrate improvements concerning social distancing and public post-pandemic space needs.
