Imperial library OK’d for additional upgrades
IMPERIAL — This city’s cannabis tax fund will be used to aid its library.
The children’s section inside the Imperial Public Library on West Ninth Street currently does not have seating, tables or computers, but that will change soon with a City Council decision reached Wednesday.
The council unanimously approved use the funds for this purpose.
“Good project,” Councilman Robert Amparano said.
“I’m very excited about these changes,” Mayor Karin Eugenio added. “I cannot wait to see them.”
Tucked away in the west side of the library, the children’s section contains two spaces: A children’s space, for ages 5 to 8, and a tween’s space, for ages 8 to 12 years.
To finally distinguish the two spaces, the city will be purchasing an S-shaped shelving unit, which will be placed in the middle of the room, dividing it.
Ember Haller, the city’s community services director, said a divide between these two age groups was important.
“Creating specialized spaces that cater to each age group will serve the unique needs of each group, and the way they desire to actively and naturally use their space,” Haller said. “The redesigned space will enhance the quality of their library experience, and provide a more welcoming space for each group that they can call their own.”
Additionally, the city plans to change the children’s section shelving, which is steel and consists of different styles.
The shelving, which is beige in color, varies in size and doesn’t all stand at an even height.
Haller said that in addition to new shelving units, the proposed furnishings for the children’s and tween’s spaces include comfortable seating, tables and a computer station.
The Imperial Public Library remains closed to indoor patrons and has been operating via curbside pick-up.
Whether all the new furnishings and equipment will be in place once the library reopens is unknown at this point.
Assistant City Manager Alexis L. Brown said the city wants to make sure that library’s staff who would like to be vaccinated for COVID have that opportunity prior to reopening.
“It is our hope that we’ll have the majority of these projects in place as well when we open our doors, so that way we’re ready to support all the programs,” Brown said.
The city’s 2020-21 budget has $44,000 identified for youth programs and education through the March and Ash cannabis conditional use permit.
Located on Marshall Avenue, March and Ash holds the city’s one and only cannabis business permit.
Wednesday’s vote means the council has officially decided to use the entire $44,000 toward public library improvements.
The improvements to the children’s section will come out to $18,500.
Previously, on Jan. 20, the council authorized purchase of furnishings to create a teen space and to purchase a makerspace table for a price not to exceed $25,500.
“Those items have been purchased, and we’re waiting the arrival for those items,” Haller said during Wednesday’s council meeting.