The library continued to grow and by 1954 the need for more space was apparent. Kirkwood Library had the highest per capita book circulation in Missouri with 8,000 registered borrowers. The library’s collection had more than doubled since 1940. The proposed bond issue would provide the library with the means to:

Addition: double the space available for day-to-day operations. Provide special areas for children, another for teens, a reference reading area, library staff workroom, and additional shelving capacity for 20,000 books.

Existing structure: improve lighting, lowering windows to floor level, eliminate present entrance with many steps and change to an attractive well-lit bay, using space primarily for adult reading room, children’s library to move upstairs, basement space made into music room for visual education purposes and meeting room. Create an auditorium with seating for 300 people. Main entrance to first floor with only two steps, separate entrance to children’s library, and two direct entrances to auditorium.

Increase in budget to meet demand for new books, etc.

The bond issue passsed, providing $130,000 for a new addition and equipment (plus an additional $25,000 for an auditorium). This addition doubled the library’s floor space. Construction begin in the fall of 1953