SAFFORD — New looks could be coming soon to the libraries in Safford and Pima.
On Feb. 9, the Safford City Council directed Library Director Victoria Silva to bring forward a resolution to use upward of $40,000 for a new mural on 628 square-feet of the north wall of the main branch building, facing 8th Street, though Silva doesn’t anticipate needing that much money.
“We’ve also consulted with Sedona Arts Center for costs, timelines and options for advertising. They’ve given us the more accurate estimate of $19,000 to $25,000 in total for the project,” Silva said.
She added that Sedona Arts Center suggests a timeline of about six months to completion.
The $40,000 was originally budgeted for new lighted signage for the Library; however, the City Council rejected that proposal and, instead, favored the idea of a mural.
At the Feb. 10 Pima Town Council meeting, Town Manager Vernon Batty said it’s time to construct a new building for the Pima Library.
“We have $200,000 from United Way and I currently have an application for another grant for another $50,000, and we have money from insurance. I don’t remember exactly how much, I think it’s about $12,000 from when the library flooded last,” Batty said.
The new building will share the lot with the proposed Pima World War II Memorial on South Main Street, across from Pima Elementary School.
Batty said Ward Brothers Construction is preparing designs for a building, in order to obtain an estimated cost.
Once the library moves from its current location in Heritage Park on 200 West, Pima Fire Department can begin work on construction of a new fire station.
