Public forum set for downtown library plans

The East Baton Rouge Parish library board will host a public forum on options for its downtown library branch at 5:30 p.m., Aug. 16. In June, the board voted to allocate $19 million toward the renovation or rebuilding of the River City Branch Library. But the fate of the present building has yet to be determined. At the public hearing, constituents will be presented with information about the “programming needs for the downtown library along with design options,” says board President Kizzy Payton. The public can also ask questions about the branch. Board member Stan Bardwell says that just because $19 million was allocated, doesn’t mean that the full amount will have to be used since the board could decide to take a less expensive route. The regular board meeting is scheduled for Aug. 19 at 4 p.m. It’s unlikely the library board will take action on the downtown site at that time. —Rebekah Allen