Goal 6 Library Facilities

Goal EDL-6: Enhance and expand Hayward’s library facilities to meet the evolving educational and life-long learning needs of the community.  

Hayward’s libraries are important community assets that provide information, educational resources, and a variety of services to Hayward children, students, and adults.  This goal and its supporting policies strive to enhance Hayward’s library facilitiesand adapt to the evolving learning needs of the community.  This goal and its supporting policies do not address services and programs offered by the Library and Community Services Department, as previous goals and policies address a broad range of library programs, services, and activities.

The City shall strive to expand library space within the community to meet and maintain a minimum standard of 0.75 square feet of space per 1,000 residents (excluding school and college libraries). 

City Services and Operations (CSO)

The City shall continue to seek funding for the construction of a new and expanded Main Library in Downtown Hayward. 

City Services and Operations (CSO)Financing and Budgeting (FB)

The City shall consider various facility renovations and expansions to the Weekes Branch Library to enhance library services and programs based on community needs.

City Services and Operations (CSO)Financing and Budgeting (FB)

The City shall consider library facility renovations and expansions based on changing demographics and customer needs. 

City Services and Operations (CSO)Financing and Budgeting (FB)

The City shall consider a variety of innovative and creative solutions to extend the geographic reach of library services throughout Hayward neighborhoods, including a network of library kiosks, library book vending machines, digital library services, new branch libraries in underserved areas, and the provision of library programs and services in off-site locations (such as community centers and schools). 

City Master Plans, Strategies, and Programs (MPSP)City Services and Operations (CSO)

The City shall consider the following principles when designing new library facilities and library renovation projects:

·         Libraries should be flexible and provide spaces that can support a variety of uses, such as personal study, group interaction, creative and innovative collaboration, art exhibits, computer research, presentations and lectures, and community events.

·         Facility systems should support a technology-rich environment and wireless networking.

·         Interior spaces should be zoned by acoustical and activity levels to allow simultaneous use by all types of people.

·         The exterior and the interior of the building should be easy to navigate and designed with a sense of openness.

·         Libraries should incorporate sustainable design practices to reduce energy and water consumption and related utility expenses. 

·         Libraries should have high-quality interior spaces and furniture that attract people and encourage them to stay for long periods of time (similar to coffee shops or book stores).  

Regulation and Development Review (RDR)

The City shall support State and local bond initiatives for library construction and renovation efforts. 

Public Information (PI)

The City shall consider the establishment of a library impact fee for new residential construction. 

City Master Plans, Strategies, and Programs (MPSP)

The City shall maintain Library Park (the home of the current Downtown Library) as a public space if and when the library is relocated to a new facility.  Future improvements to Library Park should strive to preserve mature trees, promote the history and heritage of Hayward, and create attractive spaces for outdoor festivals, musical performances, cultural events, and farmer’s markets. 

City Master Plans, Strategies, and Programs (MPSP)