Wanda Lesley When Wanda Lesley became involved with the Lampasas Public Library, she likely never dreamed her interest would span nearly 40 years.

And even though she recently retired from the Lampasas Advisory Board, Mrs. Lesley assures library supporters that her enthusiasm hasn't waned.

The Lampasas Advisory Board developed from a former governing board that held the decision-making responsibilities for the library. The governing board had its own money, ordered the library books and supplies, and paid the utility bills.

Each governing board member had responsibility for ordering a section of library books.

Mrs. Lesley took over Joyce Lowe's duties of ordering fiction books. "I had large shoes to fill," said Mrs. Lesley.

"One time we ran out of money, and we had to pay the utility bill. We thought maybe we could talk the city into helping us by installing ceiling fans.

"We made all the decisions about the library."

After Lampasas became a homerule city, it was governed by the city staff, which hired the first full- time librarian, Bobbie Hamric.

PHOTO BY STEPHANIE SIMMONDS HAYS Library Advisory Board members include, front row from left, Sue Lilley, Ruth Martin, Marta Ellison, Wanda Lesley, Judy Lansford, Kay Gray Fox, librarian Shanda Subia and Sheryl Hausmann; back row from left, Dianna Hodges, Jennifer Ewing and Sue Ellen Bumpus. A second entity has assisted in raising funds for the local library, and Mrs. Lesley said she is appreciative of the Library Foundation of Lampasas Texas. Membership is open to dues-payers at $100 per year.

"That's one of the best things we ever did -- having a library foundation," she said.

The non-profit entity collects money and manages a facility building program. Current membership is at 45.

More than $100,000 was raised by the foundation for the most recent library addition completed in 1994 that added 1,280 square feet to the facility.

"We didn't know how long it would take to raise the money to do that," said Mrs. Lesley. "We thought maybe 10 to 15 years, but we were able to raise the money much faster than that."

And Mrs. Lesley is hopeful the same level of success can be achieved for the next step in the building phase -- another library expansion project.

"We've just outgrown our space," she said. "We even had to do away with our community room because we needed it for books."

And Mrs. Lesley said money raised through memorials, honorariums, donations and the Internet site "goodsearch.com," as well as two annual major fundraisers -- Books 'N Boots Gala and BBQ for Books -- also puts dollars in the building project coffers.

Mrs. Lesley comes by her love of books naturally. As a child, she loved to read, and she instilled that in her children, she said. "I spent a lot of time at the library with my children when they were young, and I became acquainted with a number of other women there, too."

It was natural for her to devote time to something she loved, and her long affiliation with the local library fit right into her lifestyle.

And she doesn't plan to end it now. "I am interested in the library, and I always will be," Mrs. Lesley said. "That didn't change with my decision to resign from the board. I will always be interested in the library, and I want it to continue to grow."

She has enjoyed her association over the years with the many volunteers she worked with in their efforts to promote the library in the community.

"I have worked with so many wonderful people. We never had a serious disagreement; everyone always worked together for the same cause."

Mrs. Lesley said she is ready to spend more time with her 2-yearold granddaughter as well as other pursuits.

"I think it's time to step aside and let the younger people step up. It's time for new blood. We have some wonderful new people on the board, and they have the library's best interests at heart. I foresee wonderful things for the future.

"I'm not leaving the library behind, and I haven't lost interest. It's just time for others to step in and take it to the next level."