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An expansion of operating hours at the Salt Lake City Main Library is on hold, but a giant New Year's Eve disco ball and a spring flower festival are a go.
Those were among the decisions made by the City Council on Tuesday, as it passed its budget amendment of some five dozen items after weeks of discussion.
A proposal that would extend the library's hours to all day every day looks to have enough support to pass. But the council determined that a vote could wait for a "needs assessment" and more public input. As planned, only the first and second floors would be open 24-7. The library's cavernous atrium would be open during regular hours only.
The cost of extending the hours would be borne by private interests, according to the plan. The proposed two-year pilot project would cost about $300,000 a year.
Presently the main library is open from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; Friday and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
The council did fund $25,000 in matching money to the Downtown Alliance business group for a New Year's Eve disco ball.
The Alliance failed in its online Kickstarter bid to raise the matching funds, said Executive Director Jason Mathis. But it did get in-kind contributions that are equivalent to cover its matching responsibility. Private entities have offered crane services, mirrors and a motor.
"It's one of those things where you try to find a solution and then one pops you never thought of," he said. "I'm a believer in serendipity."
The disco ball is an alternative to fireworks at the annual Eve celebration.
Not least, the council allocated $25,000 for a spring flower festival. Those funds also are matching money that will aid the Downtown Alliance to host a flower show that coincides with the spring General Conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
The purpose, said sponsor Councilman Kyle LaMalfa, is to draw visitors to Temple Square down Main Street. Also, he said, the flower festival should draw residents downtown who usually stay away during conference.