The Miami Lakes branch of the county library system is a busy place: Children arrive for tutoring, elders browse for books and videos and patrons from toddlers to teens learn to sing, sew and play chess.
But the community has outgrown the branch at 6699 Windmill Gate Road that it has used since 1981.
Before anything was built on the property, The Graham Companies, formerly known as Sengra Development Corp., dedicated the land for perpetual use by the public as a library and park. It is labeled as such in a 1974 plat.
The land was zoned for residential townhomes. With news of the county’s plan to renovate the library, residents in the Windmill Gate residential community just east of it were concerned something else could be built instead.
The town council on June 6 approved the county’s request to rezone the property to a special business district.
It also passed a covenant that the property remain a library, and the elected officials approved the site plan.
Next, the Architectural Control Committee will review the project.
The Miami-Dade Public Library System’s plan includes expanding the original building by 5,000 square feet in a $7 million project that is designed to enhance learning and visitors’ experiences, the county said.
Construction will take about two years, and a start date has not yet been set.
Among the new amenities shown in the design plans are:
--Reading nooks in windows with natural light;
--New furniture and USB charging ports;
--A children’s room, with low bookshelves;
--A new multipurpose community room; renovated auditorium; study room and meeting spaces;
--A technology space called YOUmedia Miami that will have 3D printers; microphones for podcasting; recording devices and cameras among other gear patrons can use.
--The building footprint will grow from 11,334 square feet to 16,334 square feet.
Structural features include new impact windows and doors; an updated façade; an energy-efficient cool roof and new plumbing.
--There will be two outdoor reading spaces;
--The small town park near the Windmill Gate residential community will get new landscaping;
--There will be 13 more parking spaces with electric vehicle charging stations;
--New landscaping with native plants.
Designers hope to achieve LEED Silver certification, which means building in a way that sustains people and the environment.
County Library System Director Ray Baker discussed the plans with the community at a June 1 meeting at the library.
“We’re really excited about this project,” Baker said. “It’s a great opportunity to improve, modernize and expand our library.”
Residents who reviewed the plans responded favorably.
“I think the library was badly in need [of a renovation],” said Windmill Gate resident Mary Martin. “I’m glad to see the county is supporting the library system. I think it’s vital to the community.”
The next steps for the county include getting bids for the project and securing a temporary location for the library during construction.
To see the plans visit www.mdpls.org/miamilakesrenovation.
Residents can email questions to feedback@mdpls.org.