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Groundbreaking for New Branch Library in East San José

Voter-Approved Library Bond Construction Project Moves Forward on Schedule

April 2, 2005 -

East San José residents joined city and library officials today in celebrating a groundbreaking for San José’s newest branch library, a two-story, 21,035 sq. ft. facility that will replace the smaller Hillview Library, which opened in 1965.

"Libraries are a place where the entire family can come together and explore new worlds and new ideas through joy of reading,” said Councilmember Nora Campos. “This new state of the art library is something my family has wanted for a long time,” added EastValley/680 NAC member Betty Howard, “a place where our youth can go to study. This library is something that is much deserved in our community."

The new branch library is the third 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 City of San José and the Alum Rock Union School District partnered together to relocate and expand the Hillview Library, which was only 7,288 sq. feet.

"The new branch library was a great opportunity for the City and the School District to keep much needed library services in the community,” said Trustee Kim Mesa.

The new library, to be constructed adjacent to Fischer Middle School and approximately 3 blocks northwest of the current site (2255 Ocala Ave.), 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 75 persons, as well as significantly more space for seating, collections and computers. The new branch will also have a Family Learning Center that will offer bilingual programming serving the literacy needs of the local community.

"It is our goal to create comfortable and welcoming environments that augment the traditional role of libraries as an educational center to become gathering places for the entire community,” said San José Public Library Director Jane Light, “and places where chance encounters influence and enrich what people check out and take home."

The building was design by Aedis Architecture and Planning (San Jose, Calif.) and will be built by BRCO Constructors (Loomis, Calif.). Public art for the project will be completed by Amy Trachtenberg, San Francisco, whose credits include projects for Pixar Animations Studio in Emeryville and Oakland Children’s Hospital. Total project cost is estimated at $10 million. The old Hillview Branch Library will continue to operate, while the new facility is under construction.

The start of construction also marks the beginning of fundraising efforts to furnish and stock the library for opening day, which is 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.

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