Background:
History: Hosmer Library, located at 347 East 36th Street, Minneapolis, will be closed for approximately 12 months for renovation beginning July 1, 2018. Hennepin County Library proposes to continue providing a limited range of library services for youth during the building closure by temporarily leasing 1,608 square feet of space at Sabathani Community Center (located two blocks south of Hosmer Library) at 310 East 38th Street.
Currently 30–40 young people visit Hosmer Library each day. These youth live within blocks of the library and many face transportation obstacles and barriers to educational success. Lack of transportation options may limit their ability to travel to another Hennepin County Library during this closure.
The Hosmer Library community, including the Central Neighborhood in Minneapolis, has a higher than average population of people under the age of 18. Many elementary and middle school students walk or bike to Hosmer Library after school and on weekends. By providing a temporary location at Sabathani Community Center to serve young people, the library hopes to reduce the disparities the youth already face by supporting their access to tutoring, technology, and out-of-school time programming. The Hosmer Teen Tech Squad will also continue as part of the temporary services. This program cultivates 21st century learning and innovation skills in youth through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math)-based activities led by tech squad mentors who are paid for their work.
First year rent will be $18 per square foot or $28,944. The county will be responsible for janitorial services. Tenant improvements and related expenses are not to exceed $10,000. The county will negotiate the right to terminate the lease at any time with not less than 60 days written notice and to extend the lease beyond 12 months if needed. Sabathani Community Center, Inc. will provide interior and exterior maintenance services.
Current Request: Authorization to negotiate Lease Agreement A188731 with Sabathani Community Center, Inc. for rental space to be temporarily utilized by the Hennepin County Library at 310 East 38th Street, Minneapolis during the period July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019, in the amount of $28,944 for first year rent, plus an amount not to exceed $10,000 for tenant improvements and related expenses.
Impact/Outcomes: Approval of Lease Agreement A188731 will allow Hennepin County Library to serve neighborhood youth and reduce disparities by supporting access to tutoring, technology, and out-of-school time programming.