PHOTO BY DAVID LOWE Library clerks Crystal Marez, in front, and Sandy Pickett check books in a section at the library. The Library Foundation of Lampasas, Texas has hired an architect to develop plans for expansion of the facility. The Library Foundation of Lampasas, Texas has hired an architect to develop plans for expanding the Lampasas Public Library.

At a recent meeting, foundation members voted to accept a proposal of $22,000 by Karl Komatsu, president of Fort Worthbased Komatsu Architecture.

Komatsu Architecture developed the designs for the Lampasas County Courthouse restoration and the Lampasas County Office Building, and is working on the two-story county annex addition.

In addition, Komatsu provided architectural services for the Taylor Library and a variety of North Texas library projects, including renovations of the Highland Park Library and the Grand Prairie Memorial Library.

Komatsu's architectural master plan will include a phased approach to facility construction, along with a conceptual image of the library addition.

"I feel very confident that we will come out with a superior plan," Library Foundation president Sue Lilley said.

The library addition likely will be built to the east of the existing facility on what is now a parking lot, Mrs. Lilley said. A parking lot for library patrons will be built on city property at the northwest corner of First and Main streets.

Library Foundation members are considering adding a children's room as part of the expansion. Computer usage, which has been increasing at the library, likely will influence the design of a new building, Mrs. Lilley said.

A meeting with Komatsu is planned for the middle of this month.

AT&T officials have said they will accept a utility tunnel to give access to a fiber optic line underneath the alley between the library and the parking area where a building addition is planned. AT&T officials estimated several years ago that such a tunnel would cost about $130,000.

A grant writer has told Library Foundation members they will need to reserve about one-third of the estimated cost for the facility expansion in order to qualify for grant funding. Based on past estimates provided to the foundation, the project may cost about $1 million, Mrs. Lilley said.

The Library Foundation has $203,000 in assets, according to treasurer Jennifer Ewing. A Barbecue for Books fund-raiser is scheduled in the fall to generate more funds for library expansion, Mrs. Lilley noted. A similar event in April 2008 was a success, she added.

"There was a lot of good-will created in the community the last time we did it," Mrs. Lilley said.