Raised $300,000 in matching funds for the construction of the main library, projects and its furnishings.
Raising funds for the Community Garden and other enhancements for the Westside Community Branch Library. Construction to begin in 2021.
Installed a Starbucks coffee kiosk, which was one of the library projects that encouraged patrons to stay in the library for extended times. This has resulted in a more productive utilization of library services and created a feeling of community and camaraderie not seen in many public facilities. Some consider it to be the “heart of the library.” Approximate cost: $5,000
Completely renovated the 3,000-square-foot Children’s Room, partnering with the Edwards Aquifer Authority to educate children and families about the ecosystem of the Comal River and springs. The number of children attending library programs has grown to more than 13,000 annually. Approximate cost: $150,000
Funded a study that proved using adjacent building was not economically feasible at Westside Community Center, thus leading to the 2019 Bond approval for a brand-new library facility at Westside. Library project construction will begin in 2021. Approximate cost: $20,000
Raised over $50,000 to purchase a transit van which serves as a complementary “traveling library” to the RIOmobile. The RIOrover library project brings books and library materials to the homebound and to senior citizen centers and retirement homes, as well as transporting materials between branches.