REPORT TO BOARD OF LIBRARY TRUSTEES
SUBJECT
Title
Recommend the City Council Approve an Agreement Between the City of Sunnyvale, the Sunnyvale School District, and Fremont Union High School District for the Development and Operation of the Lakewood Branch Library and Learning Center at Lakewood Elementary School
Report
BACKGROUND
In July, 2012, the Council held a special joint session with the Board of Library Trustees to study future options for the Library and Civic Center. Staff was directed to explore the construction of a Branch Library at Lakewood Park. The following are a few of the elements that contributed to that decision:
1. Lakewood is the only area in the City where residents must travel more than two miles to access a public library (Attachment 3).
2. Highway 101 serves as a distinct barrier between the Lakewood neighborhood and adjacent neighborhoods.
3. Lakewood has the second lowest percentage of library card holders of any City neighborhood.
4. Significant growth in residential units in the Morse/Tasman Industrial area was anticipated.
5. The Lakewood neighborhood has diverse demographics that reflect inequities in income, educational attainment and access to services. Moreover, Lakewood Elementary School is a Title 1 school which means that at least 40% of the student population qualifies for free or reduced lunch.
In the initial 2012 discussion of a Branch Library, it was anticipated that proceeds from the sale of Raynor Activity Center would be available to fund the project. However, the sale of Raynor Activity Center was delayed due to a lawsuit and funding was not initially available.
The "Lakewood Branch Library and Learning Center" Concept
In June 2016, the Raynor Activity Center lawsuit was resolved and funding became available for the Branch Library project. In July 2016, staff provided an informational memo to Council (RTC No. 16-0605) with an update on the Branch Library project and a recommendation to defer the Fair Oaks Par...
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