The Library Refurbishment Level of Effort (LOE) project provides a structured process to modernize all 21 library branches over 20 years with new technologies and service delivery improvements that reflect the latest in 21st century library trends at much lower costs than renovations. The improvements include renovated restrooms, creating group collaboration rooms, providing new sit/stand ergonomic service desks, prekindergarten early literacy display elements, new water fountains with bottle filling features, and a general esthetic refurbishment of new paint, carpet and other flooring, and some furnishings. With the addition of funding from the 21st Century Library Level of Effort project, electric connectivity at many tables and seating groups and loanable laptops are provided.

The Library Refurbishment LOE started in FY15. Refurbishments per fiscal year are scheduled to complete the facility assessment of one library, design of one library, and the construction of one library per fiscal year. This will enable all 21 libraries to be refurbished by FY29 when the cycle would start over again. Montgomery County Public Libraries identifies the libraries to be refurbished 18 months in advance before the planning and design begins, so that applications for State grant funding can be submitted. Notice identifying the specific library projects for the given fiscal year must be provided to County Council at least 60 days before any funding is obligated or spent. The notice to County Council includes the scope of work, cost estimate, and expenditure schedule for planning design and supervision, construction, and other costs by fiscal year.

Addition of FY31 and FY32 costs to this level of effort project. Updated project schedule and escalation. For refurbishments that the Department of General Services has not yet conducted a facility assessment, used flat placeholder cost of $5.6 million per refurbishment.

Until the implementation of these projects, many of the County libraries had not been updated in 20 years. The Library Refurbishment LOE will ensure that all libraries are refurbished and updated on a scheduled basis. This will ensure that the libraries continue to meet the community's needs for programs, services, and facilities. The Library Refurbishment Level of Effort projects enable the County to update more libraries over a shorter period with less money than the old approach of renovating only one or two libraries. Refurbishments also help avoid future major renovations on many buildings.

FY15 supplemental in State Aid for $387,000 was approved for this project for the refurbishment of Twinbrook ($128,000) and Kensington Park ($259,000) branches. FY16 supplemental in State Aid for $800,000 was approved for this project for the refurbishment of Davis ($400,000) and Little Falls ($400,000) branches. FY17 supplemental in State Aid for $1,500,000 was approved for this project for the refurbishment of the then Bethesda, now Connie Morella, ($500,000), Quince Orchard ($500,000), and White Oak ($500,000) branches. Amended FY18 for State Aid of $200,000 for the refurbishment of Long Branch ($100,000) and Marilyn Praisner ($100,000) branches. Recordation Tax Premium will be used to cover the costs to renovate the Maggie Nightingale Library. In FY23, FY25 to FY28 costs were reduced because the Chevy Chase Library refurbishment costs were reflected instead in the Chevy Chase Library and Redevelopment project. Amended FY24 for State Aid of $500,000 for Damascus Library and Senior Center and $555,600 for Long Branch Library Building and Site Improvements. Amended FY25 for State Aid of $957,000 for Damascus Library Renovation. Cost estimates will be refined after facility assessments are completed.

Expenditures will continue indefinitely. The County Executive asserts that this project conforms to the requirement of relevant local plans, as required by the Maryland Economic Growth, Resource Protection and Planning Act.

Department of General Services, Department of Public Libraries, Maryland State Department of Education, and Department of Technology and Enterprise Business Solutions