We're finding out that scheduled repairs to the leaky downtown library are being delayed several months after the city says the damage is worse than they originally thought.
"I know money is tight, but yes, I would like the library taken care of," says frequent library-goer Heather Johnston.
Between the water-stained walls, the plywood on the skylights, and the tarp still on some fourth floor books, library-goers like Johnston and others say they can't believe the repairs aren't done yet.
"Do the necessary fixes so that it would not put its customers in a bad situation," says resident Shirley Reed.
It's a problem the city knew about for two years before they set aside $1.4 million last March to fix it. That was supposed to be done last month but a city spokesperson says the project is bigger than expected and they're pushing that completion date back to May.
"We pay our taxes, we do what we can to make sure the library is here for all kids," says Johnston.
Councilman Don Redman oversees the downtown district, and says with a library this new, there's no reason for all the issues. He says he's been told this winter's weather has played a role in the delay.
"It's been a rough winter. We've had a lot of rain and a lot of setbacks, so they tell me is the excuse that they're using," said Redman.
Despite being asked several times, the city spokesperson would not say how much the project has cost so far, saying only that the project budget for the library is $1.4 million. Councilman Redman couldn't say either whether or not the project had gone over budget but says he'd imagine if it did he would find out about it because council would have to approve the additional funds.
The city has filed a lawsuit against the companies that built the main library because of the leaks. That litigation is ongoing.
