A drive is underway to add a pitched roof, upgrade computer network wiring and electrical lines, open up walls, lay new carpeting and to make other improvements to the Forks Library.

Forks Library head librarian Theresa Tetreau said it has been 30 years since the library building was converted from a bank to a library. She spoke at a meeting of the Friends of the Forks Library held Thursday evening, Jan. 20 in the Forks Library meeting room.

North Olympic Library System Director Paula Barnes attended the meeting and told the gathering that upgrading the facilities at the Forks Library is a priority for the library system.

She said some $175,000 is being set aside this year thanks to the boost in the NOLS levy voters approved last year.

Additional funding would also be available in 2012, she said.

Ellen Matheny of the Friends of the Forks Library said the organization is launching a drive to raise $250,000 for the project, which is expected to cost between $750,000 and $1 million. Grant writing and an outreach to Twilight fans around the globe would be part of the effort.

Barnes said no additional tax dollars would be sought. She said NOLS will be hiring an architect to draw up a conceptual plan for upgrading the library. A preliminary sketch of a possible roof for the library by West End construction consultant Jerry Schlie  is pictured on page two.