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Ashland needs an architect to help plan library expansion ASHLAND -- The city seeks an architect who will prepare a site plan, conceptual design and cost estimates for an addition to the branch library on Siskiyou Boulevard. The request by City Administrator Mike Freeman follows a decision by the City Council Nov. 17 to consider whether it should ask city voters to approve a bond issue for the addition. Friends of the Ashland Public Library have proposed a bond issue for the branch addition independent of whatever Jackson County decides to do with systemwide improvements. Some council members expressed interest in a separate bond issue for a branch addition, but others said they want more information about plans, costs and the county's intent for systemwide improvements. The Library Advisory Committee and county commissioners plan to meet Dec. 7 to discuss options for the county library system. Packages outlining the city's request for qualifications for an architect are available through noon Dec. 4 from Freeman's office at City Hall, 20 E. Main St. Architects are asked to call 488-6002, or fax 488-5311, before they obtain the packages. Though some advocates want a bond issue to go to city voters as early as March 9, May 18 is a more likely election date for the council. The council has until Jan. 7 to refer a measure to the March election, and March 18 for the May election. The Carnegie library at Siskiyou Boulevard and Gresham Street was built in 1912, an addition completed in 1954, and a parking lot in 1972. The building is 7,000 square feet. To satisfy projected needs through 2025, the expansion would reach a total of 21,000 to 24,000 square feet. Mail Tribune Copyright � The Mail Tribune 1998, Medford, Oregon USA