5034 Frankford Avenue as seen in August 2024. Staff photo.
Lubbock might buy the Godeke Branch Library location for $3 million instead of continuing to rent it.
Background material for next week’s city council meeting said there’s a deal with the property owner, Luskey Brothers Investments, LLC, for the purchase of 5034 Frankford Avenue.
Currently the city has a 3-year lease agreement that began in September. But the city has rented that spot since February 2014. The deal was renewed in 2019.
Godeke used to be located at 6601 Quaker Avenue, but it closed in 2009 after the discovery of mold in the building.
There was a community effort to revive Godeke leading the city to rent space temporarily at South Loop and Slide. Godeke was later moved to the old Luskey’s Western Store on Frankford.
Previous coverage: As city heads into budget discussions, Godeke Library’s future could be debated
Public records posted online said, “In 2024, the City Manager was directed to find a permanent solution for the Godeke Branch Library that would no longer require a lease agreement.”
Those same records said Godeke is the second most visited library in Lubbock with 110,283 visitors last fiscal year. Godeke had the highest circulation last year with more than 278,600 items circulated.
Closing costs are estimated to be under $200,000 in addition to the purchase price.
Brooke Witcher, assistant city manager, and Hannah Stewart, director of public libraries recommend approval when the city council meets. A budget amendment needs two readings to become official and public records said the purchase money will come from the city’s general fund.
LubbockLights.com invited mayor Mark McBrayer to comment. He said the opportunity came up to purchase the building and it made sense.
McBrayer said he and the council wanted a solution to not having a permanent location and he hopes the purchase will be approved.
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