After last year's controversy when city officials proposed closing the downtown Main Library because of structural problems and a leaky roof, officials are now planning to fix the problem and keep the library open.
Close to $1 million is expected to be spent on removing 10.4 million pounds of dirt -- that's right, you heard me -- from the rooftop park, which has been closed to the public for years. Doing so will reduce the roof weight by 28 percent, improving the building's seismic stability (i.e., the roof will be less likely to collapse on all the kiddies inside the library in the event of an earthquake.) The city also will close up the irrigation system drains and put a sealant on the roof, which officials say should stop the leaking.
On top of that, officials say the Main Library and all of the city's branch libraries should avoid being closed among Long Beach's drastic budget cuts that are being planned, albeit with reduced services.
Read the full story Saturday night online and in Sunday's print edition of the Press-Telegram.
Paul Eakins reports on Long Beach City Hall, and local and regional
politics. A newcomer to the Press-
Kris Hanson reports on the Ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles,
covering environmental issues, economic triumphs and
pitfalls and trade trends of America’s largest port.
He also writes a weekly column “On The Waterfront”,
appearing Tuesdays, and also produces an occassional video
and column titled “On The Job,” which follows the hard-working
men and women who keep Southern California’s economy humming.
Karen Robes Meeks came to work for the Press-
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