Denton funds library, animal services technology upgrades

DENTON, Texas — Denton is awarding $30,000 from its first Innovation Grant Program to upgrade online systems for the public library and animal services, according to an update at the Oct. 13 City Council meeting. The two departments were selected from five proposals reviewed by the city manager's office. The library plans to add an online payment and point-of-sale system that customers could use at any hour. Library staff said the change should make it easier to resolve account issues that can block access to digital materials and reduce routine processing work. The library expects to have the system in place by April 2027. Animal services plans to replace paper-based customer intake with a digital process and queue. Staff said it would help direct visitors to the right service and track requests as people move through the center. The department expects implementation by June 2027. The technology work is separate from the physical expansion of the Linda McNatt Animal Care and Adoption Center, where the city held a groundbreaking in August. City officials said each selected department was eligible for up to $25,000, but the combined award for the two projects is $30,000. The funding comes from discretionary money for new initiatives, Community Impact reported. Denton's interim city manager described the program as a way to test service improvements that could save time or improve residents' experience. The award is for planned systems, not a report that either has launched. Residents who use library digital services or visit the animal center may see changes as the departments complete purchasing, setup and staff training. The city has not announced exact launch dates beyond the two target months.