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Friends of the Library outline phased plan to refresh Soda Springs library upper floor; first phase funded by Friends
Summary
Friends of the Library presented a four‑phase plan to upgrade the library’s upstairs — high‑quality furniture, a small meeting/study room, window replacements and finishes — and said the Friends and the library board have approved funding for initial phases and will seek additional bids. Council asked to be notified when formal city approval is needed.
Representatives of the Friends of the Library presented a four‑phase proposal to refresh the upper floor of the Soda Springs Library at the council meeting. The proposal would fund durable, high‑quality furniture first (phase 1), create a small meeting/study room (phase 2), replace windows and expand the young‑adult section (phase 3), and complete finish work (phase 4).
The Friends told the council the group has been fundraising and collecting bids for contractors. Phase 1 (new furniture) was estimated in discussion at roughly $8,000 plus shipping with a six‑month lead time; Friends reported they have approved up to $30,000 to cover parts of phases 2 and 3 as needed and expected remaining phases to occur in 2027. The library board and branch have approved the plan and Friends emphasized they expect most work to be funded from Friends’ accounts rather than city funds, though they will return to council publicly if city approval or direct city funds are required.
Council members asked about asbestos or other renovation hazards and staff said the library was renovated in 1978; staff will check for potential abatement issues and explore energy‑efficiency grants where applicable. The council did not vote on allocating city funds during the presentation but asked to be informed when the Friends are ready to request formal city approval.
