The news came shortly after the January 17 release of a draft report from a task force appointed by Mayor Anthony A. Williams that recommended more than $450 million in improvements for the system. Among the group’s suggestions: a new $280-million headquarters library, 400 new computers, and replacement of half the library’s collection.
Vince Morris, a spokesman for the mayor, noted that federal money could help build support for a new central library and help the city launch a capital campaign. “The fact that they’re willing to make that commitment, especially with all the spending cuts that are also in this budget, is pretty astounding,” he said.
Library board president John W. Hill said the city had requested $50 million a year for three years from the federal government. “There’s no guarantee, but we’re certainly hopeful that more is coming,” Hill said. “This is something of national importance, and the president giving us $30 million in his budget indicates how important it is.”
Posted February 10, 2006.