by SEAN KIMMONS

A picturesque 20,000-square-foot library will be added to Kyle’s old town district after city councilmembers unanimously approved the construction of the more than $3.5 million building on Tuesday night.

Inspired by the architecture of the new city hall, the library will cost roughly nine percent over the original budget of $3.2 million. Raymond Construction, of Austin, received the contract.

Design and development is slated to start by early June, with construction set for early September and wrapping up by next May, Raymond Construction Senior Vice President Rusty Burnett had said previously.

The entire library project could eventually climb well past the $4 million mark. Councilmember David Wilson had said that an additional $500,000 to $600,000 will be needed for infrastructure, such as sewer and water lines for the 2.2 acre lot on Meyer Street, which the city bought last year for $312,000.

So far, The Friends of the Library fund has raised about $155,000 to go toward the new library that will replace the current 5,000-square-foot library.

In addition to book space, initial design plans allow for a coffee bar, community rooms, kids area, three top-lit pavilions, an outdoor public plaza, pedestrian drop-off and a small kitchen for functions.