In late 1973 an $80,000 renovation added a steel mezzanine
level which provided room for about another 30,000 books. Air
conditioning was added and fire exits and painting throughout the
building. This was helpful as far as it went, but was seen as a
stop gap measure only.93 Mrs. Gaines, never one to miss a public
relations opportunity, called for a building rededication. A
formal ceremony was held and hundreds of people including local
politicians and invited guests attended the celebration.**
Other minor improvements to the library building were made
in 1983 with the construction of a public restroom, elevator, and
handicapped ramp to the building to conform to laws governing
handicapped access to public buildings.
By the late 1980's even city officials recognized the need
for an entirely new building. A petition was presented to the
Board of Education in 1989 with 1700 signatures supporting the
need for a new library.? A community survey in that same year
showed that 80% of the respondents wanted a larger library, and
85% wanted the library to remain downtown.
The consultant, hired by the Board of Education in 1990, was
criticized for his first site recommendation while private
individuals, city officials, and real estate agents seemed to
make one new suggestion after another. In October 1991 the