Renovation of a library in Sioux City, Iowa. Conceptual plans call for the renovation of a library.

The Aalfs Downtown Library elevator failed on May 12, 2023. Upon inspection it was reported that the hydraulic system failed, and the elevator would be out of operation until parts could be ordered and shipped. The elevator is used for more than just patron access to the upper level. It is used to move books, materials, and equipment between the three levels and also to move donated books around. The Library has been using a work around to get handicapped patrons to the upper level by using the skywalk elevator but since the skywalk has started closing portions of the skywalk, the Library is currently not handicapped accessible on Sundays or after 6 pm evenings. The parts were shipped in September and finally installed in October. Currently, the staff is waiting on the State Inspector to come certify the elevator before it can be put back into operation. While investigating the cause of leaks in the Wilbur Aalfs Downtown Library by city maintenance in September 2022, it was discovered that the roof cap needs repaired. It was recommended that this be repaired as soon as possible. The carpeting and shelving for the ground and upper levels of the Wilbur Aalfs Downtown Library also need replaced. The public area of the Downtown Library sees over 200,000 patrons a year which has led to worn and stained carpeting. The current carpet was installed in 2011 and is 12 years old and it is too light for such a high traffic area and will be replaced with dark colored carpet tiles to help with areas of high usage. With so many visitors to the library, the public areas need to be well maintained and durable. The library staff will also replace the current high shelving with lower shelving to facilitate easier browsing for patrons and better security with sightlines to areas currently hidden by shelving. The new shelving will be lower, which allows for an easier more pleasant user experience for the patrons, and a lighter color to visually lighten up the entire library. The current air handlers/chiller for the downtown library are at end of service. They were put into operation in 1990 when the Library first moved into the building. Staff have been dealing with numerous issues with both 33+ year old units resulting in many service calls. The system doesn't operate as it should if the outside temperatures dip below 50 degrees. If there is a need for air conditioning in the building later that same day, a service call must be made and staff hopes that the vendor can reset the system before the a/c is needed. If not reset, the upper level of the Library immediately heats up to temperatures in the high 80s/low 90s. The Downtown Library was visited over 250,000 time in FY 2023 and an operational air handler/chiller system is very important to the operation of the Library. Not only does the library materials need to be kept in a humidity-controlled environment, the number of people also using the Library necessitates the building be air conditioned. During 2023, almost 3,000 people used the Gleeson Meeting room and the study rooms at the Downtown Library. There are no windows that open in the building so that is not an option to deal with high temperatures. This project is included in the city's fy 2025-2029 Capital Improvement Program. As of March 5, 2025, further details regarding construction and completion timelines have not been identified. *Project information has been obtained through a public capital improvement plan (CIP). A CIP is a financial schedule for short- and long-range projects which is updated regularly. Information listed in the CIP often evolves based on funding availability and the project details, including timeline and value, are subject to change. The content management team will continue to pursue additional details as they become available.