GLENDALE : College Modifies Library Renovation

A $7.7-million library renovation project at Glendale Community College may have to go without a new air-conditioning system after state officials rejected a bid for more money to help fund the job, administrators said.

College officials had asked for an additional $850,000 last fall after realizing the library’s 24-year-old air-conditioning system would be inadequate for what will become a four-story building.

Built in 1967, the original two-story, 31,000-square-foot library lacks fire sprinklers and needs a stronger foundation, both of which are state requirements, said William Taylor, business services director. Two weeks ago, administrators were told they would have to cover those costs on their own because of the state budget crunch.

“We will now have to scale back the project to come within the current projection cost,” Taylor said.

College officials will also consider scrapping plans for a bridge connecting the library to the administration building, a library art gallery and an additional staircase.

Officials can choose to maintain the existing air-conditioning system, which could pose problems for the 15,000 students.

Renovation is expected to be completed by the fall of 1996, Taylor said. The new library would contain two extra floors of classroom space.