A new or improved public library could become a reality in the near future. The current library is bursting at the seams with increasing amounts of books, computer equipment and an increasing number of people using the 28-year-old library.
The City Council gave preliminary approval Wednesday to an expansion of the Arcadia Public Library that may add 15,000 square feet of space at a cost of about $3.5 million.
The City Council approved a recommendation to hire Glendale-based Charles Walton Associates to prepare a library building program. The proposal will cost between $50,000 and $55,000 and the new library will cost approximately $7 million.
The City Council approved an application for $9 million in state funds to build a new library. If the state awards the funds and the council accepts them, the city would have to contribute $7 million toward the new library.
James Domney, 49, is leaving his position as City Librarian after 11 years in this position and 18 years with the library. Kent Ross, 45, who started at the library at about the same time as Domney, was recently appointed as the new City Librarian.
Bea Wyant Chute of Arcadia was among 48 delegates from California to attend the 2nd White House Conference on Library and Information Services recently in Washington, D. C. "Making most of library network: delegate Chute says support is key to better education" by Shelia Thompson.
In an informal, long-range planning session, City Council members made a new library and police station two of their top priorities. Last month, the council approves spending $55,000 to hire a consultant, to be chosen at the June 19th meeting, to draw up plans for a new library to replace the overcrowded library.
Arcadia School Board members unanimously approved the funds to prepare and file the necessary legal documents to hold a bond election on September 15 that could raise nearly $28 million to renovate the district's classrooms.
23 "heroes and heroines" in the Arcadia Unified School District were honored by the Board of Education in the first "Profiles in Excellence" awards. The awards were presented to "individuals who maintain a standard of excellence in their work and who represent those values and qualities which make Arcadia a special place for students." Names and positions of winners are given.
A policy aimed at preventing gang activity in schools was introduced at Monday's Board of Education meeting. If approved, the policy would prohibit students from dressing like gang members.
Bea Chute of Arcadia was among those who traveled to Sacramento as part of her role as Library Supporter Delegate to the White House Conference on Library and Information Services. "School libraries should be an Arcadia priority."
The school board elected new officers for the 1990-91 year. These include G. Michael Allison, President; Robert Kladifko, vice president; and James Bryant, secretary.
The City Council passed a resolution supporting the Arcadia Coalition for Education, a group of educators and community members demanding more state money for schools.
A committee to hear public comment on the possible demolition of First Avenue Jr. High School and the sale of other district property was created Monday by the Board of Education.