The city Board of Estimates approved a resolution on the planned renovations to the Central Library Monday.
""The goal here all along was to get a great Central Library,"" Ald. Mark Clear, District 19, said. ""[It's] something that's been promised to the library users, to the staff and to the public for a number of years.""
The library construction is expected to take roughly a year, including grace periods to allow for design specifications. The library is anticipated to be complete by early to mid-2012.
The six-month design period in place was recognized as a tight time window for construction, but Board of Estimates and Madison Public Library Board members said they remained positive. Proponents said the project time frame was ""aggressive"" but still feasible.
Members of the Madison Public Library Board emphasized the importance of public participation in the project. Supporters said they wanted public feedback on the project to see specifically what residents wanted in it.
The renovations to the Central Library will also aim to include green initiatives, members said. Natural light will be used to improve energy efficiency throughout the building, and various energy-conscious roof structures are being considered, including rooftop gardens.
During the meeting, Board of Estimates members expressed concern with the structural layout and function of the third floor. A member of the Madison Public Library Board said the possibilities will be more clear later in the renovation process.
""I'm hopeful that when a whole new structure is done and presented to the community that the excitement will be there and the community will engender the excitement,"" said Tripp Widder, president of the Madison Public Library Board.
""This library is worthy of a city that values education as much as we do,"" Mayor Dave Cieslewicz said in support of the project.
