Thibodaux library project in bidding stage

With funds quickly dwindling, the Lafourche Board of Control is seeking bids to determine if it can afford to build a 23,000-square-foot library in Thibodaux.

“We have been fighting this for years. We removed a whole library board and changed directors three or four times,” said District 6 Councilman Lindel Toups. “I think there is not enough communication between the library board, the council and the administration.”

The city of Thibodaux currently has a library in place; however, it was slated to have a new facility built nearly 10 years ago. In fact, when the parish first began its library projects in 1999, Thibodaux’s new structure was the first on the construction list, according to Library Board of Control Director Suzanne LeBouef.

“We want Thibodaux to have a nice library because it’s the most populated area in Lafourche Parish,” she said.

The site was slated to receive most of the money budgeted for construction; however, the rise in building costs for the other seven libraries has tallied more than projected, thus limiting funds for the Thibodaux library project, LeBouef said.

Each of the libraries built so far ran an average of 20 to 30 percent over-budget, she added.

“We are forced with the option of staying within the budget, so we have to make sure that the cost doesn’t exceed what we have in the bank for the Thibodaux library, which is $3.2 million,” LeBouef said.

“Luckily for the parish, it has already purchased the land for the new Thibodaux library,” District 3 Councilman Louis Richard said.

The councilman said since he’s been in office, the only calls he receives are about the library.

“If we have to lower the square footage of the building, then that’s something we have to do. Our citizens want a library in Thibodaux and they deserve one,” he said. “The Thibodaux-area councilmen are willing to be flexible.”

Richard and councilmen Joe Fertitta and Jerry Jones, all of whom represent Thibodaux, initially wanted architects to ready plans and build a 23,000-square-foot library within 12 months.

“We wanted to get some figures on the books so that the contractor can have something to work with,” Richard said, noting action on the project has been delayed since the council’s May 28 meeting. “We needed to get the ball rolling for the Thibodaux library before something else comes up.”

Several council members argued, however, that bids should be sought before work begins because money is so limited.

Last Tuesday, the council authorized the library board to seek bids on a 23,000 square-foot library in Thibodaux at a cost not to exceed the $3.2 million.

“It has come down to the library board having to stay within budget because if the it runs out of funds, who will suffer?” Richard asked. “The people of Thibodaux – the highest population in Lafourche Parish.”