FALLBROOK -- Now that Fallbrook has lost the opportunity to get money to build a library because of the failure of Proposition 81, supporters are exploring other ways to obtain funds.

The Friends of the Fallbrook Library, a nonprofit group which supports the library, has formed a task force to explore ways to raise money and welcome suggestions on how to do so.

The task force has already had one meeting, set up another in August and plans to make recommendations to the board of the Friends of the Fallbrook Library at its Sept. 19 meeting, board president and task force member Jerri Patchett said.

The group has raised $1.5 million and estimates a 20,000 square foot library could cost $6 million based on a cost of $300 per square foot. However, the cost could be less, Patchett said. The group just got a boost because of a $91,958 contribution from Fifth District Supervisor Bill Horn.

That was the balance in his community services fund for the remainder of the 2005-06 fiscal year, which ended Friday. That fund is for supervisors to give for public benefit projects within their district.

"That was a big shot in the arm," Patchett said.

There are a number of ways to obtain money, she added.

"The task force is looking at all options, including private donations or a combination of private and public partnerships," she said.

A new library would replace the 8,100-square-foot building at the corner of South Mission Road and Alvarado Street that was built after the old structure burned down in an arson fire in 1985. The Friends group has secured a site for a new building next to the existing library.

Supporters say the community has outgrown that building.

"The biggest problem is that we can't put a new book on the shelf without taking one off," Patchett said.

She added, "About 500 people a day use the library. This one is simply too small, and is not meeting the needs of the community."

County Library Director Jose Aponte praised the Fallbrook group for moving forward and not letting disappointment discourage them.

"This shows singular leadership on their part," he said. "The Friends are taking a leadership role in how they get this done. These people are serious civic leaders and they have a lot of political savvy. I know we're going to build a library there."

Aponte said circulation at the Fallbrook Library increased 17.3 percent last year and foot traffic was 152,050. A new one is badly needed, he said.

"That library cannot handle contemporary technology," he said. "It is maxed out in terms of infrastructure and computers."

Other desirable amenities include a community room for public meetings and space for art classes.

The June 6 defeat of Prop. 81, which would have provided $300 million in statewide money, is not the first setback for library supporters. They were disappointed when Fallbrook, along with Escondido and Ramona, missed the last cut for library funding from Proposition 14, a $350 million bond act voters approved in March 2000. The final round of funding from that bond was approved in November 2004.

The Friends of the Fallbrook Library's only source of income is the Bottom Shelf bookstore, which is located in the existing library building.

People with ideas for funding should contact Patchett at (760) 723-8635. Donations are welcome and can be mailed to 124 S. Mission Road, Fallbrook, CA 92028. Checks should be made payable to Friends of the Fallbrook Library.

- Contact staff writer Patti Magee at (760) 731-5797 or pmagee@nctimes.com.