Las Cruces City Council has given the green light to a long-term master plan to elevate the Las Cruces Public Libraries over the next two decades. The plan, which was discussed and ultimately approved this Monday, has been crafted to address the needs of the library system and the community it serves.
Developed with inputs from Godfrey's Associates, Inc., a Dallas-based consulting firm, the master plan aims to renovate existing library facilities and expand the library's reach within the city. "The Library first presented a master plan 24 years ago, in 2000," Carol Brey, Director of the Quality of Life Department, said and highlighted that the 2024 master plan builds on the groundwork laid down all those years ago. This was underscored during a City Council work session back on June 10, as reported by the City of Las Cruces.
The centerpiece of the master plan targets enhancements to Thomas Branigan Memorial Library, with a proposed new entrance and an update of the ground floor tagged at a hefty $15.5 million. A further expansion plan, adding 15,000 square feet of workspace, comes with an estimated price tag of $16.6 million, as part of a broader vision that includes the establishment of a four-library network complete with three new branch libraries, each costing approximately $21 million.
While the blueprint has been approved, it does not come with a ready supply of funds. The City Council's nod serves as a directive for city staff to commence the hunt for funding avenues to bring the aspirations of the master plan to fruition. Sarah Booth, Deputy Director of the Las Cruces Public Libraries, alongside library consultant Brad Waters, has been a key player in formulating the proposed strategies, reflecting on research and community discussions to tailor the initiatives over a five, ten, and twenty-year horizon.
In addition to the library plan, Las Cruces City Councilors also approved a batch of grant awards for various projects around the city, proving their dedication to urban improvement. Among the grants are $10 million allocated for upgrading vital natural gas infrastructure and funds from $100,000 to $5,915,250 for projects like a domestic violence shelter, an integrated healthcare building, and the expansion of Mesilla Valley Resource Campus. These approvals were gained with unanimous support from the Council members.
Residents of Las Cruces who wish to stay abreast of these developments can attend council meetings via the City's YouTube Channel. The next session is scheduled at the Council Chambers, 700 N. Main St., on Monday, Oct. 28, at 1 p.m., where progress on these initiatives will likely be a topic of discussion.
