Commissioners agreed it’s time to start asking for new proposals to use the vacant Carnegie Library Building at Ninth and Vermont streets.

Commissioners directed staff members to begin sending out requests for proposals to use the building, which was the former home of the Lawrence Arts Center. The city previously had agreed to allow the Hughes-Carnegie Center, a start-up literacy group, to occupy the building once renovations are completed in either 2006 or 2007. But commissioners rescinded that decision earlier this year after the start-up group had problems with funding.

Commissioners said they hoped to have a list of ideas on how the building could be used within about 90 days. People interested in submitting a proposal can contact the city manager’s office at City Hall.