The King County Library System expects to close the Auburn Library in 2010 to complete an extensive remodeling and expansion project.

Library officials will hold a public meeting from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Jan. 14 at the Auburn Public Library at 1102 Auburn Way S. to review the current design for the expanded and renovated library as presented by a team from Schacht/Aslani Architects.

The project, made possible by the $172 million capital bond residents supported in September 2004, includes a 5,000-square-foot expansion of the library with more materials, computers, wireless access and space for children and teens.

City officials urge users of the busy library to attend the meeting.

“We have been trying to work with the King County Library System on ways to avoid [the year long closure] or to offer the same service perhaps nearby,” said Auburn City Councilwoman Sue Singer. “We need some more public input about how people feel about that, what are the services that they absolutely cannot do without for a year, because we have become dependent on that library. There’s a lot of people that use the computers there on a regular basis. We are trying to work with the King County Library System to make sure there are computers available and drop-off and pick-up sites for books and other services.”

The KCLS Capital Improvement Plan was developed through extensive community outreach, involvement and discussion before the 2004 election and includes enhancements for all 45 KCLS libraries to meet community needs during the next decade. New replacement libraries will be built in some communities, while other libraries are being renovated or expanded. Construction work is already underway at many KCLS libraries.