By T. Scott Boatright
Amending parts of the Lincoln Parish Library’s (LPL) Events Center policies and fees, as well as considering potentially backing off plans to refloor the back room of the library, were primary orders of business as the LPL Board of Control held its May meeting Thursday evening.
Taking reflooring of the back room used for storage and office space out of plans for LPL renovations was discussed and considered, but the Board of Control voted unanimously to keep it in the plans to be used as part of the process of requesting bids for the planned renovations, which will include work on the room’s bathroom, new LED lighting and painting of the room.
LPL Events Center Chair Bill Jones proposed removing plans for new flooring for the back room to potentially lower renovation costs, but the board decided doing that work now while other renovations are being completed was the best move.
The flooring renovations have been estimated at $40,000 to $50,000.
Board member Stephanie Smith was vocal in her feelings about keeping flooring renovations in the plans for the room.
“I think we shouldn’t (remove the back room flooring) do it,” Smith said. “While we have the money and the opportunity, and this will present a chance to clean up back there, resort and resituate and see what other opportunities we could have in that room.
“And even if you kept the doors the same, having the opportunity to use the room more, even for (staff members) to use the room in a better way seems like a better idea. Plus, 20 years of it being walked on is just gross. Even if they don’t use the room much, it’s gross.”
Architect Mike Walpole, LPL Director Jeremy Bolom and Jones have created a four-phase plan for the $500,000 project planned to begin Nov. 2 and hopefully be completed by Feb. 8, 2027.
The edits to Events Center policies were also approved by the LPL Board of Control and read as follows:
• Auditorium — The auditorium (3,010 square feet) is multi-purpose and seats up to 300, with a raised stage-like platform, small backstage area with two dressing rooms and two restrooms, one with a shower. The auditorium can be divided into three smaller rooms, with the first section, the Dubach Room (1,075 square feet), having the platform and a drop-down projection screen with in-ceiling projector. The second section is called the Choudrant Room (946 square feet) and the third section is called the Simsboro Room (989 square feet), each having a drop-down projection screen with portable projector available. Nothing can be adhered to the walls or floors in any fashion. This includes painter’s tape, “command” hooks or strips, etc.
• Grambling Room — This room has a ceramic tile floor and is considered a common area for all events. Only if the entire facility is rented can it be used as additional space. Any setup in the Grambling Room by renters of partial spaces will lead to forfeiture of their deposit. The room is 2,236 square feet and can accommodate 200 people. Nothing can be adhered to the walls or floors in any fashion. This includes painter’s tape, “command” hooks or strips, etc.
• Ruston Room — This room is 5,810 square feet and can hold 600 in a standing reception, 600 theater-style, 340 in classroom style and 400 in banquet seating. There are tack board walls on two sides that can be used to decorate or hang items, but nothing may be adhered to the wall. This includes painter’s tape, “command” hooks or strips, etc.
• Catering Prep — There are two catering prep areas — one on the north side of the facility (adjacent to the Dubach Room) and another on the south side of the facility (behind the Ruston Room). Each is equipped with a commercial refrigerator, ice maker and sink, as well as various counters and multiple receptacles for warming stations. The Events Center also has a commercial convection oven located in the south kitchen and four rolling warming cabinets that can be moved as needed. If available, access to one of these areas and equipment comes standard with all rentals.
• Audiovisual and electronic equipment — Sound, amplification and projection devices are available for an additional charge (specified in the fee schedule). Customers may bring in their own presentation devices, but the library accepts no responsibility or liability regarding the operation, use, care or safety of personally supplied equipment. Laptop and tablet computers are permitted and can be attached to Events Center equipment for presentation purposes. Wireless internet is available at no charge. If possible, the library asks that all compatibility checks for use of personal equipment be done at least three days before events.
Fees for use of the Events Center are based on half-days (five hours) and whole days (8 a.m. to 11 p.m.) and are set for square footage deposits as follows:
• Dubach Room: $300 for a half-day and $600 for a whole day with a $200 deposit required
• Choudrant Room: $250 for a half-day and $500 for a whole day with a $200 deposit
• Simsboro Room: $250 for a half-day and $500 for a whole day with a $200 deposit
• Dubach/Choudrant Room: $500 for a half-day and $900 for a whole day with a $400 deposit
• Choudrant/Simsboro: $450 for a half-day and $800 for a whole day with a $400 deposit
• Auditorium (Dubach, Choudrant and Simsboro rooms combined): $700 for a half-day and $1,200 for a whole day with a $500 deposit required
Included with rental fees are 18-inch-by-5-foot tables, 36-inch-by-8-foot tables, limited availability of 5-foot round tables upon request, chairs and WiFi access.
Ancillary fees per unit are $25 for a projector and screen, $25 for a podium with microphone, $25 for a wireless microphone, $40 for a sound system, $10 for an easel and $20 for a rolling white board.
Rates for required security at events are the current hourly rate per officer as charged by local law enforcement plus a $5-per-hour booking fee.
