One of the few issues on the City Council’s agenda Monday night was the Fairhaven Branch Library funding. City Council met with the Library board earlier that day to discuss transferring up to $600,000 for further repairs of the Fairhaven branch from funds budgeted to the Central branch.
The Fairhaven Branch Library has already been guaranteed $2.2 million in the budget for repairs to the roof, steps, new stucco on the outside of the building and seismic protection. The library is now requesting up to $3.2 million for further renovations, such as a new interior design and further seismic protection.
John Servai, chair of the Advocacy Budget of the Friends of the Fairhaven Branch Library, spoke up at the meeting urging City Council to stick with the current budget so renovations could start in June without delay. Servai said “we are out of time” and many of the renovations requested were not needed, such as the updated interior layout and seismic protection in the ceiling.
Servai went on to say that the library board and the administration had not allowed the Friends to be a part of the plans, but that “you can bet we tried.” Servai said the Friends do not support the presentation earlier that day given to the City Council.
Bruce Deile, a homeless man living in Bellingham, also showed his support of the library. Deile said he goes to the library to get out of the cold and that “the only recourse some of have is the library.”
City Council decided to hold off on any decisions regarding the Fairhaven Branch Library branch until a public meeting, scheduled for Feb 5 is held, and public opinion can be heard on the matter.
After the meeting, Councilman Terry Bornemann said “we just don’t have the extra [money].” Bornemann also said that he was concerned that the Central Branch was willing to give up its $600,000 for its needed repairs to the Fairhaven Branch Library, and wondered if the money could have been budgeted elsewhere in the first place.
The public meeting scheduled for Feb 5 will be held in the Fireplace Room at the Fairhaven Branch Library from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. Brad Cornnwell of RMC Arcitects will be there to review the Fairhaven Branch Library renovations, according to a press release. The public is invited to attend and provide input on the Fairhaven Renovations.
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