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ASHLAND, MO. -- Update: Friday, September 16th at 7:55 a.m.:

Thursday night, Southern Boone County Library officials voted to approve the plans to build a new library in Ashland.

The new library will double the size of the existing one. It could open as soon as next September.

Original Story:

Southern Boone County Public Library officials in Ashland will vote to double the size of their existing facility.

Library administrators will decide if a private developer builds a 6,500 square-foot library on an acre of land near downtown Ashland.

The circulation at the current library is up by 19% over last year.

The $87,750 project would be built under a lease agreement without raising taxes.

Supporters say the location is perfect since it would sit near Ashland’s middle school.

Library Board Member Bridget Canaday said, “Its right between our middle school and a cornerstone business in the downtown area.  It has a little over an acre of land.  It has room for expansion in the future.  It’s just a really, really nice location.”

The new Ashland library could open as soon as next September.

The library meeting begins at 6 p.m. tonight.