Council OKs $5,000 boost toward Friends of the Library Phase‑4 upgrades

Friends of the Library representatives updated the City Council on progress replacing windows, adding shelving and creating a study room on the library's upper floor and asked the council to approve phase 4 work, including stationary window coverings, built‑in storage and a steel safety railing.

Beth Charette, speaking for the Friends, said the group has already spent about $28,000 on phases 1–3 and that the project budget, including phase 4, is about $61,000. She told the council the Friends had received a $10,000 city contribution earlier and asked the city to contribute $5,000 toward a roughly $10,000 railing to bring the city's share to about 25 percent of the project if approved.

Council members asked staff about safety details and precedent for funding. Charette said the Friends would work with city staff and local contractor estimates and that the Friends can pay the bulk of the work if the council preferred to defer. Director Squires and staff confirmed the work would follow city code and that the librarians had been consulted on shelving and safety features.

Council president Hart moved that the city increase its contribution by $5,000 from reserves "and let them move forward as they presented." The motion was seconded and approved by the council on a voice/roll‑call vote. Council members asked the Friends to coordinate schedule and final specifications with staff before work begins, particularly so the top floor is ready for summer reading.

The council also discussed options for window locks to prevent accidental openings at child height and asked staff to inspect proposed rail designs for long‑term durability. Charette said the Friends would return in September to discuss winter programming and provide updates after project milestones.

The Council recorded the motion as passed and directed staff to coordinate inspections and final bids before work begins.