Carlsbad reopens Ruby G. Shulman Auditorium after $2.2 million audio-visual overhaul

Carlsbad Library and Cultural Arts staff told the Library Board of Trustees on April 23 that the Ruby G. Shulman Auditorium renovation is complete and the space has reopened for public programming and rentals.

Thomas (Tom) Johnston, program and venues coordinator for the Carlsbad Library and Cultural Arts Department, said the project replaced aging lighting, audio and video systems and added streaming and accessibility features. "We went from driving an Edsel to piloting a rocket ship," Johnston said, describing the new equipment.

The project timeline given at the meeting spans design work beginning in August 2022, demolition and construction starting in July 2024, and a reopening celebration in March 2025. Johnston said the work was completed "on time and within the approved $2,200,000 budget." The upgrades include a new LED theatrical lighting rig and control board, a 64-channel audio console and a 7.1 surround sound configuration, dual 4K projectors with a retractable front screen, Wi‑Fi assisted hearing compatibility for smartphones, and live-streaming and in-camera editing capabilities.

Library leaders and project staff told trustees the audiovisual and lighting improvements were intended to replace equipment at the end of its useful life, expand programming formats and improve accessibility for patrons. Johnston said the new LED lighting reduces heat and energy use, the audio system provides a fuller, immersive sound for performances and the Wi‑Fi assisted hearing feature lets patrons connect hearing devices or smartphones rather than separate plug-in receivers.

The Carlsbad Library and Arts Foundation (CLAF) funded and sponsored the auditorium reopening celebration; CLAF President Gideon Esseier spoke at the March event, which featured a performance by the Camoratta Tango Quartet and drew standing-room attendance. Staff said the Cannon Art Gallery was open that evening as part of the celebration.

Trustees asked technical and operational questions at the April meeting. When asked how the Wi‑Fi assisted hearing works, Johnston explained that a compatible smartphone can connect to the venue Wi‑Fi and receive the audio stream directly to compatible hearing devices. When asked about equipment lifetime, he said pre‑renovation systems had useful lives of about six to seven years and expressed confidence the new systems should provide at least a decade of service, saying "we're at least gonna make it past 10 years on some of this stuff, maybe even 15."

Johnston asked trustees to note a handful of remaining administrative steps: final inspections, vendor training for production technicians, and the contractor building turnover. He also invited trustees to see the upgraded auditorium during May programming; staff announced a public demonstration tied to Asian Pacific Islander Heritage Month scheduled for Saturday, May 24.

The completed upgrades are expected to support library-produced events, outside rentals, film screenings, live performances and expanded digital broadcasting. Staff said rental fees currently go to the city's general fund but confirmed the department is evaluating whether a portion of rental revenue could be earmarked for future facility maintenance.