This document outlines the renovation process and timeline for the Delmont Gardens Branch Library from 2022 to 2026. It discusses gathering community input, hiring an architect, developing design plans, construction documents, bidding, and an 18-24 month construction period. Planned amenities include dedicated spaces for all ages, meeting rooms, technology upgrades, and accessibility improvements. There is consideration of renovating the existing building or building new at a different site, each with various advantages and disadvantages. An open house was held in September 2021 to gather community feedback on the project.

1. 3351 Lorraine Street
Opened 1984
Remodeled 2005
19,267 S.F.
Delmont Gardens Branch
Renovation Project

2. Timeline Process
• Community Input
• Scope of Work
• Select and Hire Architect (Design and Planning Selection Board)
• Concept Design Phase
• Public Meeting/Charrette
• Schematic Design Phase
• Design Development Phase
• Estimate of Probable Cost
• Construction Documents Phase
• Public Bid Process
• Construction Begins
• If possible, keep Library open throughout construction
• Phase construction to minimize disruption
• Might not be possible due to complex renovation
• Construction usually takes between 18-24 months to complete
2021
2022
2023
2024
2025 - 2026

3. Updated & New Amenities Planned
• Dedicated Spaces For All Ages
• Totally Separate Children’s Room with Story Time Activity Space, Study Rooms and Reading Nooks
• Totally Separate Teen Space with Dedicated Teen Activity Room and Study Rooms
• Improve Meeting Rooms and Increase Collaborative Spaces
• Renovate and Expand Existing Meeting Rooms
• Create Collaborative Study Rooms, including Study Rooms in the Teen and Children’s Areas
• Conference/Training Room
• Quiet Reading Room
• Expand and Enhance Technology:
• Increase the number of Computer Stations, including special area for Computer Classes
• 2 Self Check Kiosks
• 4 Copier/Print Stations
• Digital Lab / Maker Space with 3D Printing and other Technological Applications
• Enhanced Technology in each Meeting Room and Collaborative Study Room
• Improve Book Accessibility with Expanded Browsing and Display Areas
• Update Facilities to Meet All Current Standards
• Including a Family Restroom and a Single Use Restroom
• Increase Square Footage from the Current 19,267 s.f. to Accommodate New Spaces

4. Similar Features, Innovations or Improvements
in Recent Branch Renovation Projects
Flexible Teen spaces,
flexible furniture

5. Work-Study
Options That
Accommodate
Technology

6. Spaces for Collaboration

7. Interactive Spaces
for Discovery &
Engagement

8. Considerations for the Delmont Gardens Project
If remodeling the existing building:
• Must vacate the existing building for
approximately 2 years
• Complex demolition and construction means
higher cost
• Must pay to move most of the book and AV
collection into storage
• Will attempt to find and rent a suitable small
space nearby in order to offer temporary
library services to residents
• Part of the current Delmont Gardens Library
dates back almost 40 years. Even after a
complex renovation, basic structural
considerations would still impact the design,
and there would be many compromises in the
flow and function of the building
• No additional parking spaces
If building fresh at a new site:
• Can remain in place on Lorraine Street until the
new building is ready
• No interruptions in library service for residents
• Less complicated construction project means more
cost effective construction
• Faster timeline for completion
• A new building will have all new systems, which
provide all new, long-term and lasting efficiencies
• Designing from an empty slate allows us to create
a much-improved and enhanced design with better
flow
• Current building can then be repurposed for
another public use
• Better visibility at a different location
• Much improved parking

9. Dating From December 2014 Branch Study
IF REMODELING THE EXISTING BUILDING

10. PROPOSED CHANGE TO USE OF SITE
IF REMODELING THE EXISTING BUILDING

11. as of Dec 2014
IF REMODELING THE EXISTING BUILDING

12. as per 2014 Proposed Concept Plan
IF REMODELING THE EXISTING BUILDING
19,267 SF
Difficulty Level

13. IF BUILDING FRESH AT A NEW SITE …
Potentials of a New Location
• Plank Road Master Plan
includes a “Civic Center” site
that could be considered for
the location of a new Delmont
Gardens Branch Library
• Possible site available on Plank
Road at Mohican
• No disruption in service
• Active, dynamic location
• Near other planned amenities
• Easy access
• High visibility
• Anchors other planned
improvements in the area
• Encourages additional
development in the
community

14. Join us at the Delmont Gardens Branch
Library to have a voice in planning exciting
new options and upgrades for your
community library!
The East Baton Rouge Parish Library’s Capital
Improvement plan calls for expansive upgrades and
improvements to your Delmont Gardens Branch Library to
begin over the next few years, similar to what has already
taken place at Bluebonnet, Jones Creek, and Greenwell
Springs regional branches, and what is currently
underway for the Scotlandville and Baker Branches.
We invite you to join us at the Delmont Gardens Branch
on either September 24 or September 25, 2021 to discuss
and share your ideas for future plans for your branch.
In addition to information posted at the Delmont Gardens Branch Library, the community
was invited to participate in the Open House via email and social media.
Open House Charrette for Community Input
held on September 24th and 25th
at the Delmont Gardens Branch Library.

15. Library staff and representatives from Build Baton Rouge were on hand
to share ideas and gather feedback.

16. Visit https://buildbatonrouge.org/our-work/urban-planning/
to access Build Baton Rouge’s presentation on the Plank Road Master Plan.

17. Staff collected dozens of
comments and suggestions at
the Open House Charrette on
September 24 and Sept 25,
2021.
But there’s still time for more!
Send your ideas & comments
to mstein@ebrpl.com.