By Moses Leos

A modern, functional library — that’s the dream lodged in the minds of Buda residents Bob Elder and Neva Lockett. 

It could become a reality, as Buda city leaders envision a 73,000-sq-ft facility with anywhere from 20,000 to 40,000 dedicated to the library. 

Both believe the larger structure can alleviate space issues the exiting downtown facility combats.  

“Because of our population growth, [the library] has become way too small for patrons that want to use it,” Lockett said. “The demand has exceeded the space capabilities of our current little library.” 

Growing and expanding is a theme for the Buda library. Ever since it moved into the current 5,200-sq.-ft. structure in 1993, the library has been limited by its own constraints.  

The problem has worsened with time. Lockett, a self-described fan of “libraries and librarians,” witnessed the issue firsthand. 

She’s seen programs grow and thrive in the library. It’s evident with the various children’s programs, which have grown to serve more 300 kids in the last several years. 

Despite the new programs, the issue remains: the building has very little room and no place to grow.

Elder also witnessed the problem. He helped spearhead the Friends of the Library initiative nearly 30 years ago. 

“There is so much more the library could be doing for the people in this area,” Elder said. “It hasn’t been able to do because it doesn’t have room to do it.” 

Bill Hidell of Hidell and Associates, the group tasked with designing the new library, took the space issues into account. In a March 27 public input meeting, Hidell presented a concept of what the new library might look like. 

Hidell said the new library could be a part of a 75,000 sq. ft., two-story facility; housed inside would be a new city hall, along with a large mall or foyer area. It would also feature several meeting and multipurpose rooms that would be shared among all facilities.  

That new facility could be placed on a potential November bond. 

The group also polled citizens on what they want to see from the library. Topping the list was a children’s area, along with meeting space and improved technology.

 “The concept we developed has all of those components,” Hidell said. 

Mayor Todd Ruge, who is also a member of the Friends of the Buda Library, was amazed at what the library staff has done “with such a small space.”

However, the expansion of the library will be done to accommodate future generations.  

“We aren’t building [the new library] for today. We’re building for the next 40 to 50 years,” Ruge said. “In my mind, it’s the best way to be proactive and not reactive.” 

But would a two-story library work? 

Lockett said it could, but it depends on the design plan, and which city services Buda decides will be housed in the building. Elder was intrigued by the idea of meshing the library and city hall in one location. 

“Most days, it would not work,” Elder said. “It now sounds like a hell of a good idea.” 

However, Lockett said the friends understand other priorities could take precedence; issues such as drainage is just one. 

Finding a suitable location is also a priority, according to Lockett. 

Elder believes the city should contemplate moving the structure away from downtown. 

“In the old days, we thought the library had to be downtown. I don’t believe that anymore,” he said. “It needs to be where people can get to it, and have lot of parking.” 

Head Librarian Melinda Hodges said in an emailed response there is no word on whether the library will move, or just expand. 

“With what’s been presented lately, it seems likely that [council] will recommend we go with a new building elsewhere,” she said. 

Hodges estimates the facilities plan to be presented to council in June.