Library Expansion Planned

The Civic Center Library in Torrance is planning a $1.2-million expansion, which would create reading rooms and shelf space in its basement for videotapes, computers and magazines.

The Torrance City Council on Tuesday authorized a request for architects’ proposals for the project, which would expand the building by about a third, or 14,000 square feet.

The plans reflect the city’s changing demographic patterns and new demands faced by the library, said Librarian James W. Buckley. More young children are using the second-floor children’s section, Buckley said, and the videotape collection is growing. The library also would like to enlarge its section of Asian-language books and magazines.

Library officials hope to pay for much of the project with funds from the 1988 California Library Construction and Renovation Bond Act, but competition is fierce for the money, Buckley said. A construction starting date is undetermined.