Lawrence residents voiced their opinions on a proposed expansion of the Lawrence Public Library on Monday night at a meeting held in the library’s auditorium.

Architects presented five options for the project, allowing residents to tell them what they did and did not like about each design concept.

“They have some good plans, and I’d like to see something that has potential for growth,” library patron Jonathan Krasick said about the presentation.

Earlier this year, the Lawrence Public Library Board of Trustees requested the Lawrence City Commission approve a public referendum to pay for the renovations, seeking $18 million for the project. If commissioners support the plan, the referendum would appear on the November ballot.

Although the trustees are aware of the difficult economic climate, trustee chairman Michael Machell said, “I can see why people might say now is not the greatest time, but I would say ‘when is a good time?””

The design concepts each include additional downtown parking, room for enhanced services to children and greater access to technology.

The library was built in 1972, when trustees say Lawrence’s population was half the size it is now.