By SHEILA G. KELLEY

News editor

Peabody Library will have a new look when basement renovations are completed just in time for summer.

Librarian Rodger Charles laid out plans for renovating the library basement during Monday’s Peabody city council meeting.

He updated council members on recent changes at the library before giving details of the proposed remodel.

Proposed renovations to the basement include adding central air, placing soffits over ductwork, installing ceiling lights, building a small closet around the furnace, and adding a microphone, speaker, and sound system.

Charles said a smart panel will be installed which has “unlimited possibilities.”

“The smart panel lets us stream live video,” he said. “People can hold meetings where they can hook up computers to the panel and work with each other.”

Election party meetings and coverage, sporting events, and other events can be viewed on the panel. Community groups could rent the space for events.

The council asked Charles to get bids for the project. After reviewing bids, council members will decide how much of the cost the city can pay.

Charles expects renovations to be completed by May 1.

In other matters, council members:

• Approved Peabody Main Street Association to run the Peabody holiday shopping contest.
• Voted to purchase a building to house salt and sand mix for the road and bridge department.

The Nov. 27 meeting will be at the library.