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Proposed 2023 Bond – Library Projects

Proposed 2023 Bond timeline
Image courtesy of City of New Braunfels. Visit official city proposed 2023 Bond library project page.

The Bond Advisory Committee recommended the two library projects below undergo preliminary design for consideration in a proposed 2023 bond election. An open house was held on these projects on Wednesday July 27, 2022 at the Klein Road Elementary School. The meeting allowed residents to review the current design options and ask questions of the project consultants. Citizens were also invited to provide feedback on these projects.

Southeast Library Building Project
Image courtesy of City of New Braunfels.

Southeast Branch Library

Project Objectives

Add a branch library to the existing library system to serve the fastest growing area in the city – South of the Guadalupe River and east/south of IH 35. The branch would have a strong youth and family focus and would be located in Guadalupe County and serve the 6 schools within walking distance. This project is a continuation of ongoing engineering work.

Project Scope

The New Braunfels Southeast Branch Library is a 23,250-square foot building that is site and community responsive. The library will feature a large public plaza, garden space, café services, restrooms, and book sales. Additionally, the library will include a variety of rooms for quiet study and meetings. The Library Staff areas have views to the outside as well as a service window to better serve the public.

Risks and Constraints

The area is growing fast, and a desirable parcel may be hard to find the longer the project is wait-listed.

Project Costs

$20M Total Cost |$17.6M Construction | $2.3M Additional Costs

Project & Preliminary Design Considerations

Schematic design was completed as part of the 2019 bond effort.


image of main library

Main Library Expansion, Outdoor Programs & Garden Area

Project Objectives

This project will expand the main library, which will allow the library to provide more meeting spaces, add additional collections, and improve user experiences. Additionally, this expansion will improve efficiency and functionality in staff work areas. This project would also include outdoor improvements that would help align the library with nutritional literacy programming and provide opportunities for outdoor program presentation.

Project Scope

Indoor Phase:
The indoor portion of this project includes a 33,000 square foot expansion, new seating, expanded room capacity, and new shelving.

Outdoor Phase:
The outdoor portion of this project includes the construction of an outdoor stage or pavilion for outdoor program presentation. A community garden with raised beds is also planned for the outdoor additions.

Risks and Constraints

Full funding may not be available.

Project Costs

$42M Total | $40.5M Construction | $1.4M Additional Costs

Project & Preliminary Design Considerations

The design allows for the library to remain open during the majority of the project.