Virginia Mungovan
Special to Independent Newsmedia

Surprise residents are invited to share their thoughts on how the city can improve or transform its libraries at a public meeting and through an online survey.

The city currently has two libraries, Northwest Regional Library and Hollyhock Library. Surprise hired Orcutt Winslow, an architecture and planning firm, to conduct a library feasibility study that will help guide future library operations, library renovation projects and potential new libraries.

Resident input is key to the process. The community meeting is at 7 p.m. on Thursday, May 11 in the Surprise Community Room of the Northwest Regional Library, located at 16089 N Bullard Ave.

Residents are also encouraged to take an online survey available at www.surpriseaz.gov/librarysurvey.

The results of the study will be completed in August and will be presented at a City Council meeting late August or early September.

The City of Surprise owns both libraries. The city currently has an Intergovernmental Agreement with the Maricopa County Library District (MCLD) for the county to operate both libraries

During its May 2 work session, the Surprise City Council listened to a presentation on the library feasibility study which will be conducted in fiscal year 2018 beginning July 1. he final study may be used for future planning of library operations as well as new libraries which could result in financial impacts in the future.

The final report will provide recommendations on future libraries, expansion or new facilities as well as costs associated with city operation of libraries. To view the presentation at the work session, visit here.

For questions or more information, call the Community and Recreation Services office at 623-222-2000.

Editor's Note: Virginia Mungovan is a public information officer for the city of Surprise