Library May Receive Funds for Upgrades

Things seem to be looking up for the Camarillo Library as the City Council this week could authorize more than $100,000 in improvements.

“For the first time in five years, I’m beginning to see a little glimmer at the end of the tunnel,” said Betty Sullivan, president of the Friends of the Camarillo Library.

On Wednesday, the council is scheduled to consider whether to endorse a plan that would put $112,793 in leftover library bond money toward technological upgrades and equipment improvements at the library.

The money is from bonds originally issued to help build the library, located off Temple Avenue at 3100 Ponderosa Drive.

The proposal, recommended by the city’s Library Committee in November, specifically includes funding for the following upgrades:

* $30,035 toward replacement of the library’s three photocopying machines, which Sullivan said are rarely in service for patrons to use.

* $29,700 toward replacing old computer terminals with new PCs, including software and printers.

* $19,449 toward setting up a CD-ROM network, including furniture and additional hardware.

The library support group has been soliciting money from residents and local businesses since October to help fund its $8,100-project to upgrade the library’s Internet access on 20 used computers donated by the city.