Library Auditorium Renovations Hit Snag

The Arcadia library's auditorium will receive a scaled-down version of the complete overhaul city leaders originally planned.

The city has not renovated the Cay Mortenson Library Auditorium in more than 50 years, and the building is in desperate need of a new lighting and audio/visual system, as well as a number of cosmetic improvements. But bids came in at more than twice the $160,000 budgeted for the project, forcing city leaders to revisit its size and scope.

"We're going to focus on what we think are the most important important issues affecting the auditorium's function," Director of Library & Museum Services, Mary Beth Hayes said.

Thus, plans for aesthetic upgrades, which included re-carpeting, painting and installing new kitchen cabinets and vinyl flooring, have been shelved for now. Instead, the city will just install new soundproofing and upgrade the auditorium's audio/visual and lighting systems.

The city will send the modified project out to bid next week.

Patch will continue following this story. Check back for updates.