Altadena Library Wonders How to Raise $20M for Upgrades

officials are looking for an individual or firm with fundraising experience to assess how they might be able to raise $20 to $23 million for a planned renovation project.

Library officials have issued a request for proposals (RFP), which can be viewed at right, which specifies what they are looking for from someone interested in the contract.  Bidders have until Aug. 1 to submit a proposal.

At the core of the library's renovation plan is the legal requirement to make the building comply with the Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA).  You can read more about the library's plans here in an October or see more detailed plans on the library website.

Additionally, the building has asbestos problems and does not comply with seismic requirements, according to the RFP document.  Both issues would also need to be addressed in the renovation.

Currently, the library does not have adequate wheelchair access and officials would like to expand the library to comply with the federal ADA law without having to sacrifice any space for books. 

They would also like to expand space for literacy classes and other programs.  The library's plan calls for an expansion of about 10,000 square feet.

With government funds scarce, the plan is for the library to raise the money through a fundraising campaign.  The library's contractor will assess whether that is a feasible strategy or not.