Vestavia Hills delays east side library for school funding
City managers allocated the $46 million in capital funds to school renovations, leaving only a feasibility study for a new branch.
By Adriana Abebe ·
Residents in Liberty Park have sought a public library on the east side of Vestavia Hills for years, but a proposed facility remains unfunded.
The City Council approved a $9 million project in September to install artificial turf and renovate the Sicard Hollow Athletic Complex, effectively deferring the library plan. The proposal, which surfaced in 2025, called for a $9.2 million building next to the athletic complex, with $7 million coming from public funds.
City Manager Jeff Downes stated that all $46 million in short-term and long-term debt planned for fiscal 2027 has been allocated, leaving no funds for library construction. The shift in priorities followed a February strategic planning session where the council prioritized a school project.
Vestavia Hills school officials requested a $6 million upfront contribution to build and renovate arts and athletic facilities at Vestavia Hills High School. Councilwoman Kimberly Cook, a Liberty Park resident, acknowledged that this request contributed to the library delay. She noted that school officials face financial strain after a failed 9.8-mill property tax increase in 2023.
Cook stated that the city is giving up capital money for schools but does not regret the support for students. She added that the city's aid to the school system places the city at a disadvantage for its own projects. The council voted in early October to commission a study to determine desired spaces for an eastern Vestavia library or community center.
Williams Blackstock Architects will conduct the study for approximately $63,500. The firm will develop conceptual designs, floor plans, and cost estimates. City officials will use results from the city's biennial community survey, conducted this fall, to guide the project. Downes expects the survey results in January and the architect's report in time for the February 2027 strategic planning meetings.
Library Director Taneisha Tucker said past surveys indicate eastern residents want children's spaces, meeting areas, and technology offerings. She aims to provide a collection for children 11 and younger, a study area for teens, and programs for the Liberty Park and Cahaba Heights communities. Currently, outreach programs like Easter egg hunts and back-to-school rallies must be held outdoors because there is no indoor public building.
Board member emeritus Jimmy Bartlett noted that it takes his daughter-in-law 25 to 30 minutes to drive from Liberty Park to the main library. He said his seven-year-old grandson cannot participate in local programs available at the main branch. Vice chairwoman Susan Swagler described the current outdoor events as joyful but noted that an indoor space would be more efficient. She emphasized that modern libraries serve as community spaces for learning and meetings, not just book repositories.
