RICHARDSON’S LIBRARY BACK IN BUSINESS A TEMPORARY HOME FOR A BELOVED CITY SERVICE

By Patti Otte

While the City of Richardson’s original library undergoes its muchanticipated transformation, citizens can once again enjoy the Richardson Library’s approximately 235,000 items in its new, albeit temporary, 29,000 sq. ft. home. The space has been thoughtfully designed to maximize the space and create a welcoming environment for its patrons.

The recently opened library is housed in space adjacent to the new City Hall, but it can be tricky to find, almost hiding in plain sight. 2360 Campbell Creek Boulevard is its street address, but visitors can easily access the library via a driveway entrance off Plano Road. As potential guests travel northbound on Plano Road from Campbell, the library can be found on the west side of the street just a few turn-ins north of Calloway’s Nursery. Alternately, the entrance off Plano Road is just south of the light at N Greenville Avenue. At first glance, the building can be mistaken for an office warehouse, but the City has installed informative signs around the complex, indicating entrances for the library, the new City Hall, and the City Hall annex.

Many aspects of the library have remained the same. Residents can still check out or drop off physical materials and InterLibrary Loans are once again available. Notarial services and programming for adults, teens and children are back in full swing. Guests will also have the benefit of complimentary WiFi with hotspots for checkout.

The library’s business center includes a laptop kiosk for use within the library; both black & white and color printing; a copier; and 3D printing. Tables, chairs and study carrels are scattered throughout the library for adults, teens and children.

And while the new facility does not have meeting spaces for the public, it does have both a story time room and a conference room for library programming. Guests will, however, encounter a few changes. Due to its size, the temporary location does not have private study areas and will not be accepting donations. The library does have laptop computers for checkout, but no longer has desktop computers for public use.

The library’s impressive 11-bin automated sorter helps streamline the circulation process for staff members.

It uses RFID tags to sort and check in items and prints out hold slips if the item has a hold request. Circulation staff members then match up the slip with the item and place it on the hold shelf for the patron. Items are sorted by their collection and location within the building, making it easier and quicker to get them back on the shelf for the next visitor.

Most items are available to check out for three weeks. BOOKbabble “to go” bags have an extended check-out time of six weeks. Lending periods for Interlibrary Loans are set by the lending library.

States Library Director Jennifer Davidson, “Our goal is for the

LIBRARY LOCATION & HOURS:

2360 Campbell Creek Boulevard Richardson, TX 75082

Monday – Thursday

9:00 am – 9:00 pm

Friday – Saturday 10:00 am – 6:00 pm

Sunday 2:00 pm – 6:00 pm community to feel proud to have a place that promotes learning, inclusivity, and equal access to knowledge, aiding in personal growth and community well-being.” Mission accomplished, Ms. Davidson.

For more information about the library’s many programs, visit http://cor.net/library.

Tell us about your early years. Where did you grow up and what was your early family life like? Where did you attend college? When did you know that you wanted to work in city government?

I was born and raised in New Orleans. I developed an interest in government and politics in high school, largely because of the unique nature of both in Louisiana. I developed a strong belief that local government should be managed by professionals who, above all else, are committed to integrity and service. I decided I wanted to be around others who shared that same belief, so I moved to Texas as soon as I could. I finished my Bachelor’s degree at UT Dallas and earned my Master’s from UT Arlington.

What town or city did you serve in first and in what capacity?

Richardson is the only community in which I have served. I have been blessed with many roles and responsibilities throughout the years and have had an opportunity to work directly with every department in the City. My journey to City Manager has been somewhat unconventional, but I would not change one step along the way.

How many years total have you served in city government? What do you love best about the profession? Is there a particular moment that stands out in your mind where you truly felt you were making a positive difference? If so, please share the story with us.

I just celebrated my 27th anniversary with the City. I enjoy many aspects of serving, but none more than working directly with residents and other stakeholders to resolve issues that are important to them. The opportunity to assist them when they need it the most is a rewarding experience that you want to repeat again and again.

I also love the people I work with. The men and women who serve our community truly care about the