In efforts to better differentiate quiet and conversation space and more closely monitor younger library users, the Austin Public Library will work to relocate and redesign its teen area.

First, however, it must approach the City of Austin about digging into capital improvement dollars for the project, which, with demolition, furniture, decorating and utilities, is estimated to cost between $22,000 to $23,000.

“This is just an idea phase,” library director Ann Hokanson said. “Then we would take it to the city to see if and how it works into the capital improvement plan.”

Hokanson said the undertaking responds to noise complaints, and also initiates a wider library effort to direct reader traffic, display materials and cluster activity better.

“We want to help people find what they’re looking for fast and easier,” Hokanson said.

“It’s my opinion that the thing to do first is to do the teen area,” she said. “Because if we can take care of the quiet area, we may not need to do some of the other things.”

Currently, the teen area, complete with a sign, magazine racks and sitting space, is located on the far west side of the building, near tables and chairs designed for quiet study.

“A lot of libraries spend a lot of marketing and time trying to bring teens to the library,” she said. “We’ve already got teens.”

Hokanson said the area would be relocated to the east side of the building by the circulation desk and computer room, which are already bustling spaces.

“On this side, we already have a lot of activity going on,” she said.

Design plans outlined by the library’s Minneapolis-based architectural contractor Meyer, Scherer and Rockcastle involve demolishing two study rooms and an equipment room, thereby opening the area for tables, computers and shelves. A glass partition will be built across the upper half of the room’s west wall, which separates it from circulation.

“The study rooms would no longer exist,” Hokanson said. “That would be the downside.”

Instead, she said, individuals taking tests or in need of private space would have to book the small meeting room.

Board members didn’t vote to approve the project, though they informally consented to searching for dollars.

County commissioner Dick Lang, 4th district, was the only to caution the library about the absense of funds, particularly those from Mower County.

“I have a little thing going on called a jail,” Lang said. “We’ve ran into a lot of costs.

“I think the funding, the timing — all that matters,” he said.

Hokanson agreed that the library should proceed with care given that there aren’t dollars set aside for the plan. She added, however, that county coffers wouldn’t be affected regardless.

“Right now this is not budgeted,” she said. “It would come from our capital improvement plan.”

Board member Carmen Tribbett suggested the library try to fundraise for the project.

“It doesn’t seem to me that $22,000-23,000 is much money,” she said. “I wonder if we can collect donations for this. It’s been a long time since we’ve hit people for donations, and everyone has a soft spot for the kids.”

Other upcoming capital improvement projects include a $75,000 parking lot to be built this summer and a new ventilation, heating and air-conditioning system tentatively scheduled for the following year.