GLENDALE : State Adds Funding for College Library

State officials have agreed to add $611,000 to Glendale Community College’s $7.7-million library renovation project, increasing the building’s chances of receiving a new air-conditioning system.

“We’re going to try to design the building for the $8.3 million,” said William Taylor, the college district’s business services director. “If we can include the air conditioning in it, we will. If we can’t, we’re going to seek other funds to do so.”

Last month, administrators were faced with possibly having to go without a new ventilation system and other special features for the 26-year-old library after state officials rejected the college’s bid for $1.025 million in additional funds.

Administrators had said they needed the money to replace the structure’s 24-year-old ventilation system, to build a structure that would meet requirements for the disabled, to make a stronger foundation and to set up a fire sprinkler system as required by law.

Last Wednesday, state Sen. Newton R. Russell (R-Glendale) and Assemblyman Pat Nolan (R-Glendale) succeeded in getting a legislative subcommittee to take another look at the college’s request, Taylor said. The subcommittee then allowed bond money to be spent only for costs to strengthen the building’s foundation and to purchase fire sprinklers.

College officials now hope to save enough money from the project to include the ventilation system and continue plans for a bridge connecting the library to the Administration Building, an art gallery and an additional staircase, or ramp.

More than 15,000 students use the two-story, 31,000-square-foot library throughout the school year.