Delayed, Over-Budget Library Almost Done

INDIANAPOLIS -- The completion date is well overdue and the whole project is over budget, but the newly renovated and expanded Indianapolis Central Library is about ready to open to the public.

The library is set to open on Dec. 9, a culmination of five years and $150 million worth of work. Media members were given a sneak peek inside on Thursday, 6News' Norman Cox reported.

The project began 5 years ago, and cost $150 million to complete.

One of the most impressive parts of the library expansion is the view from the sixth floor, which also houses a special collection of books by local authors and rare books dating back to 1492 that the library didn't have space to display before.

The library boasts triple the Internet access and 20 restrooms, vastly more than the two available in the old facility, and a learning curve section for children and technology.

The library budget ballooned to $150 million from an originally planned $100 million, but officials said the expansion was direly needed.

"We've got to think ahead," said Cheryl Wright, Central Library director. "We built this to last the next 100 years, and you've got to think big and plan for the future. If you don't do that, we're short-sighting the city."

Taxpayers footed the bill for $50 million in cost overruns, but library officials said they hope to get that money back through litigation involving contractors and designers, Cox reported.