Anchorage Assembly to consider $12,200 more for Loussac theater audio-visual upgrade

The Anchorage Assembly is scheduled Wednesday, Nov. 4, to take up a resolution that would move up to $12,200 from the Library Department's 2026 operating budget to finish an audio-visual upgrade at the Wilda Marston Theatre inside Loussac Library. Mayor Suzanne LaFrance submitted the request, and the administration recommends approval.

It would be the project's third round of funding. The library put $30,000 toward the upgrade in 2024 and $5,000 in 2025, according to an administration memo. The new money would bring the total to $47,200.

The memo says the theater's current audio-visual setup "has reached its end of life." It describes the theater as a popular rental space at Loussac that contributes to library revenue. The library is asking for the added money based on current estimates and an updated scope of work, the memo says.

The resolution says the Library Department wants to both update and relocate the equipment in the theater. It would shift the money from the library's day-to-day operating budget into the city's capital project fund and raise the budget for the theater project in the library's 2026 capital improvement budget, which the Assembly approved as part of the 2026 capital budget.

City code lets the Assembly change the library capital budget by majority vote. The resolution would take effect immediately if passed.

The library department prepared the request, and Library Director Marjorie Harrison approved it. The Assembly meeting starts at 5 pm in the Assembly Chambers.