Detroit Public Library criticised

When I saw the first paragraph -

The Detroit Public Library is under fire for spending $2.3 million to renovate a library wing while claiming financial pressure is so severe they may have to close most neighborhood branches.

- I was willing to cut them some slack, because I love libraries, and even simple renovations can be quite expensive if asbestos etc. is present.  But then I saw the next photo and the second paragraph...

Spending $1,092 apiece for European-designed lounge chairs and $500 each for decorative light fixtures has been criticized as frivolous spending and misplaced priorities. 

Via Librarianista (where I can't find the primary source link).

A bit hat tip to Zhoen, who found additional information at The Detroit News:

Library commissioners may soon take action. An investigation into the South Wing renovation found "inexplicable irregularities" in awarding contracts, and staffers could soon be disciplined, said Russ Bellant, a member of the Detroit Public Library Commission.

"It appears abuses took place regarding the South Wing construction," Bellant said. "Policies were ignored in the awarding of contracts."

He declined further comment. But a copy of the investigation obtained by The News shows the library granted a $125,600 contract to a Chicago architecture firm to manage and design the South Wing, even though the company's initial bid didn't include any prices.

More details at the link.