The Brentwood Branch Library has long been an important part of the neighborhood, serving as a place where residents can read, learn, study, attend programs, use computers, and connect with one another. Now, the City of Jacksonville and Jacksonville Public Library are planning its next chapter. Rather than renovate the current building, the plan is to develop a new Brentwood Branch Library at the former Brentwood Elementary School site. This new location creates an opportunity to design a modern library that better supports the services, programs, and spaces the community uses every day. As the project moves forward, this page will share updates and opportunities for the community to provide feedback.
Project Goal
Develop a new Brentwood Branch Library that supports modern library services and community needs:
- Creating welcoming spaces for reading, studying, and learning
- Improving access to computers, internet, and technology
- Supporting programs for children, teens, and adults
- Providing flexible spaces for community activities and events
- Designing a library that can serve the Brentwood community for many years to come
Questions About the Brentwood Library Project?
We want to hear from you. Use the form below to submit your question, and someone from the project team will reach out within 72 business hours.
What Happens Next
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Community Feedback
Residents share ideas and priorities for the new library. -
Planning and Design
Project teams develop plans for the new facility based on community input and service needs. -
Construction
Once plans are finalized, work can begin on the new Brentwood Branch Library at the former Brentwood Elementary School site.
FAQ
About the Project
Where is the Brentwood Branch moving?
The branch is moving to the location of the former Brentwood Elementary School at 3750 Springfield Blvd, Jacksonville, FL 32206.
Why is the branch moving to a new location?
The Brentwood Branch has outgrown its current space. Rather than investing in a costly renovation for an aging structure, a new building allows for a modern, cost-effective design. The new location will provide more room for programs, technology, study, and community use, allowing the library to better serve neighborhood needs now and in the future.
Why are you not renovating the Brentwood Elementary School site into a library?
Renovating the former Brentwood Elementary School site would require significant investment in an aging structure with limitations for modern library use. Building a new facility allows for a more efficient, cost-effective design with the space needed for technology, programs, and community use now and in the future.
Building Design and Features
Why will the new library be about 20,000 square feet? Can that change?
The new library is planned to be approximately 20,000 square feet to provide more room for meeting spaces, study areas, programs, and community use. Doubling the size of the current facility and placing it on one floor will help ensure customers have space to read, study, attend informational programs, use publicly accessible technology, and gather as a community. The final size may still be refined as planning and design move forward.
Why is the library being designed as a single-story building?
A single-story design supports accessibility, safety, and long-term efficiency. It also requires less staffing to operate and is easier to maintain and navigate.
How many people will the library be designed to accommodate?
The number of people the building can safely accommodate will be determined during design based on building and fire safety requirements. This will help shape the layout of public spaces, parking, and other site features.
What is the planned efficiency of the building layout?
The design targets approximately 70% usable net space, which is slightly higher than older standards. This means more of the building is dedicated to public use, such as reading areas, meeting rooms, and community spaces, rather than back-of-house functions.
Are proven library designs being used?
Yes. The design team is drawing on experience from more than 300 library projects, along with an established design approach tailored to Brentwood’s needs. The facility will also incorporate modern self-service technology to improve efficiency and user experience.
What best practices are being included?
The project incorporates industry best practices in layout, flexibility, technology integration, and community-focused design to help ensure the library is modern, functional, and adaptable over time.
Site Planning, Parking, and Access
How is parking being determined?
Parking will be based on City of Jacksonville requirements and refined as design moves forward. While 50 parking spaces will meet code requirements for the library, additional spaces will be designated because the site will also support voting and shared use with park visitors. The final parking plan will also consider accessibility needs and site conditions.
Will traffic on Golfair Boulevard be impacted?
A formal traffic study is expected to evaluate how the new library will affect traffic patterns, access, and safety along Golfair Boulevard. The results will help guide any future improvements to ensure safe and efficient traffic flow.
How will the library connect to Brentwood Park?
The design team is planning a connection between the library and Brentwood Park that is safe, convenient, and engaging. This may include pedestrian pathways, clear sightlines, and improved access between the two spaces.
Are there plans to improve Brentwood Park?
The Library and the Department of Parks, Recreation, and Community Services are in early discussions about potential enhancements, but no formal plans or funding have been established yet.
Budget, Materials, and Construction
How is the project staying within budget?
The project team is reviewing costs throughout the planning and design process to help keep the project on budget. This allows changes to be made before construction begins, when adjustments are easier and more cost-effective.
How are supply chain issues and material costs being managed?
The project team is monitoring material costs, availability, and delivery timelines as planning moves forward. Priority is being given to durable, readily available, and energy-efficient materials to help reduce delays and support long-term value.
How will the design address heat and comfort?
The building will be designed to help reduce heat and create a more comfortable environment for visitors. This includes features that provide shade, improve energy efficiency, and use materials that help keep the building cooler and safer.
How is the building being designed for hurricanes and severe weather?
The library will meet or exceed Florida Building Code requirements for wind resistance and storm protection. This ensures the building can withstand extreme weather conditions common in the region.
Safety and Security
What safety features are included in the design?
The project includes well-lit parking areas, walkways, and entrances using energy-efficient LED lighting. Additional features include clear signage, emergency lighting, and integrated security systems to help create a safe and welcoming environment.
When will safety planning be finalized?
Safety and risk considerations are built into the design process and will be finalized as part of the completed design package before construction begins.
Timeline and Project Status
Are the plans for the new library final?
Not yet. The project will continue to be refined as planning and design move forward. This allows the team to respond to site conditions, budget, regulations, and community input along the way.
What is the total project budget?
Approximately $8.2 million has been allocated for early phases of the project. The full project budget will continue to be refined as design progresses.
Is there a funding gap?
The total project cost is still being determined, so any funding gap will become clearer as the design and budget are finalized.
What is the project timeline?
The project is expected to include about one year of design and preconstruction, with the construction timeline to be determined after design is complete. Demolition is scheduled to begin June 22,2026.
How will construction impact the neighborhood?
The site will be fully fenced and secured during demolition of the old school and construction of the library. Work will be coordinated to minimize disruption to traffic and nearby residents.
Operations and Future Planning
What will happen to the existing library building?
No final decision has been made yet about the current library building located at 3725 North Pearl Street. Future plans will be determined at a later stage of the project.
What will happen to the former school site?
While the school building will be demolished to make way for the new library, the final site layout will be determined through the design process, with input from the community and stakeholders.
Who will operate the new library?
The new branch will be operated by Jacksonville Public Library. The staff who currently serve the Brentwood community will be relocated to the new building when it opens.
Who manages technology in the building?
Technology systems will be managed by the Library and the City’s Technology Solutions Department, following standards used across Jacksonville library locations.
Will the new library follow system-wide standards?
Yes. The Brentwood Branch will incorporate the same service, technology, and operational standards used across the Jacksonville Public Library system.
How does this library compare to others in Jacksonville?
At approximately 20,000 square feet, the Brentwood Library will be comparable in size to several modern branches, including the Bradham & Brooks, Beaches, and South Mandarin locations.
How can I ask a question about the project?
If you have a question about the Brentwood Library project, please fill out the question form on this page. A member of the project team will respond within 72 business hours.
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