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Expanded Cambrian Branch Library Breaks Ground

Celebration Caps Final Day of Operation for Current Library Facility

February 12, 2005 -

Cambrian residents joined city and library officials today in celebrating groundbreaking for the construction of a new two-story, 28,000 sq. ft. branch library facility replacing the original 10,126 sq. ft. library, which opened in 1961.

“Having used the Cambrian Library as a youngster and later on while in college, it is very exciting to me personally to see this library grow along with the community,” said Councilmember Judy Chirco. “The new library will be a jewel in our district, and we know that it will continue to serve as a focal point for community activity, where people of all ages and backgrounds are free to pursue their interests.” Chirco was joined by Vice Mayor Cindy Chavez and fellow councilmembers Ken Yeager, Forrest Williams and Linda J. LeZotte.

Cambrian Branch Library is the second of four library branch bond construction projects expected to get underway in San José this year and one of 20 that will be completed under the $212 million library branch bond measure, approved by voters in November 2000. More than half of the planned projects are now at some stage of design, construction or completion.

The new library, which will be built on the original site at 1780 Hillsdale Avenue, will have the look and feel of an upscale bookstore. Highlights will include an Internet Café, Community Living Room with a fireplace, Technology Lab, Teen Area, Group and Quiet Study Areas, and a Community Room that will accommodate 100 persons, as well as significantly more space for seating, collections and computers. Since the expansion is vertical, available parking has not only been preserved, but also increased to 89 spaces.

Building design by Anderson Brulé (San Jose, Calif), will be executed by Bogard Construction, Inc. (Santa Cruz, Calif). Tully Community Branch Library—another Anderson Brulé project—received an enthusiastic reception when it opened last month. Over 7,000 people paid a visit on opening day, checking

Public art for the project will be completed in collaboration by Andrea Myklebust, sculptor and Stanton G. Sears, sculptor and Associate Professor of Art at Macalester College, St. Paul, both of Minneapolis, Minnesota. Total project cost is estimated at $11 million.

Onset of construction also marks the beginning of fundraising efforts to furnish and stock the library for opening day, projected to occur in late 2006. Those interested in supporting this effort may contact the San José Public Library Foundation at (408) 808-2174.

At the close of the brief ceremony, the audience was invited to inscribe “dream rocks,” which will later be incorporated into the foundation of the library. Many took the opportunity to remain, enjoy refreshments and entertainment, and take a walk down memory lane by viewing the display of historical photos and clippings.

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