Library foundation plans for expansion
By DAVID LOWE Staff Writer

The Library Foundation of Lampasas, Texas Inc. is eyeing contributions for a two-story expansion project for the Lampasas Public Library.

Population growth is fueling an increased use of the library, foundation president Tracy Guthrie said. As a result, the foundation's trustees are outlining preliminary plans to increase the facility's size to meet community needs for the next 20 to 25 years.

"Everything we have here is too squished together," Ms. Guthrie said. "The library is being used, and the existing space is inadequate."

An anticipated two-story addition on city-owned lots east of the library would allow more room for books and computers, with a possible community meeting room as well, said Ms. Guthrie. The library also owns a lot at the intersection of First and Main streets for additional parking.

"Our goal is to increase the size of the library for a community increasing in size and need," Ms. Guthrie said.

The library foundation's board of trustees expects the project to cost at least $1.2 million. Trustees need to raise at least a third of the funds -- about $400,000 -- before preparing grant applications, said Momentum Grant Strategies principal Margaret Winks, whom the foundation has retained since May to identify sources of funding and prepare grant applications.

"You need to show some progress," Ms. Winks said.

The foundation has raised about $165,000, Ms. Guthrie said.

When contacting potential donors, trustees also need a strong plan to raise the remaining funds after the initial $400,000, said Ms. Winks. Grants probably will not account for more than $300,000 toward the expansion, the consultant said. "Grants are not going to be the primary source."

Funds for projects like the library foundation's typically come from community fundraisers, monetary donations and in-kind donations by area contractors of labor and/or materials, Ms. Winks said.

The more thorough the board of trustees' fund-raising plan, the more success it likely will have convincing foundations to award grants, she added. "The overall fund-raising strategy is a big part of the grant application process," Ms. Winks said.

Other major considerations include relocating utilities in the alley alongside the library's entrance, updating architectural plans for the expansion and obtaining a bid on the project, Ms. Guthrie said.