Locals attend library design symposium

Attending a library design symposium in Austin were, from left, Sue Lilley, former Lampasas Public Library director; Shanda Subia, Lampasas library director; and Dianna Hodges, library board volunteer.

Shanda Subia, Lampasas Public Library director, Sue Lilley, former librarian, and library board volunteer Dianna Hodges attended a Library Design Symposium at the Carver Museum and Library in Austin recently.

The event was sponsored by the American Institute of Architects of Austin and Central Texas Library System.

Attenders spent the day at sessions that covered topics such as what's new in libraries, planning for a library, librarians and architects working together, environmentally sensitive building and successful library remodels.

The population of Texas is growing quickly, and many communities are having to expand or build new public places to keep up with the growing needs of its citizens.

Lampasas, too, finds itself in that position. The Lampasas Public Library was remodeled recently but still is not up to standards that would serve the community best.

Ms. Subia, her staff, board and foundation members and other volunteers worked hard to make the library attractive and functional, but they find space increasingly tight.

The library is often packed with students after school who need to use the few computers on hand, as well as books and periodicals, to help with school work.

"The library is usually a pretty busy place after school, but that's a great thing. In fact, public libraries are becoming more like community centers, which means they're not always quiet," said Ms. Subia. "I like the noise (usually a dull roar). That means people are using the library as a community center."

February saw twice as many library visits as last year, and 300 more patrons using the Internet. Forty-one percent of library patrons are not Lampasas residents.

Volunteers logged over 100 hours of free work to help the facility meet the needs of patrons.

"Volunteers allow us to offer a higher level of service, and we are very thankful for their many hours of service to the community," said the librarian.

A new library has been in the planning for years, and fund-raising efforts have been ongoing.

The library is only one-third of the way toward its goal of $1.2 million for an expansion project, however. Costs are rising every day due to the demand for construction materials from as far away as China and as close as post-Katrina New Orleans.

The Austin seminar is just one of many steps taken by staff and volunteers to ensure that Lampasas will get the best city library for its money, said Ms. Subia.

On April 14, members of the Lampasas Public Library Foundation will sponsor BBQ for Books -- a drive-through meal at the library.

Tickets are $8 and can purchased until April 8 from Hodges and Sargent Pharmacy, the Yumm Factory, Lampasas Public Library, First State Bank Central Texas in Lometa, and National Bank in Kempner or by phoning 556-3360.

The library accepts donations of cash or new or used books.