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A New Library Blooms in San José's Rose Garden Neighborhood

February 11, 2006 -

Rose Garden At a Glance Size: 19,000 sq. ft. Collections: 80,800 - 98,000 items Seats: 93 Public Computers: 36 Group Study Area: 16 persons Storytelling Area: 35 persons Community Room: 80 persons Parking Spaces: 34

Rose Garden neighborhood residents gathered Saturday to celebrate the opening of a new and significantly larger library replacing, on the same site, the original 6,805 sq. ft. library that had served the area since 1960. The new 19,000 sq. ft. facility designed by Banducci Associates Architects and constructed by Robert A. Bothman can accommodate up to 98,800 items in its collection, excluding periodicals.

"The new Rose Garden library is a beautiful example of our community's commitment to learning and literacy for residents in every neighborhood," said San José Mayor Ron Gonzales. "We all can be very proud of this latest delivery of the promises we made to San José voters to create one of the best city library systems in the nation."

The Rose Garden Branch Library is the fifth library to be completed under the $212 million library branch bond program approved by voters in November 2000. The library worked with community representatives and the design team to achieve its vision for dynamic spaces and experiences that addressed the needs and preferences of the local community.

"For months, residents have been eager to get their first glimpse of this neighborhood landmark,” said Councilmember Ken Yeager. “As soon as the doors opened, people embraced the library as their own. I'm thrilled by the response."

Highlights of the new branch include an Internet Café, Community Living Room with a fireplace, Technology Lab, Group and Quiet Study Areas, and a Community Room that will accommodate 80 persons, as well as significantly more space for seating, collections and computers. A ground floor parking garage will increase available parking from 8 to 34 spaces.

Public art at the new library by Seattle artist Clark Wiegman features a suspended sculpture in the entryway and related elements on the fireplace. Entitled "Olé," the work pays homage to the local community through multiple layers of references highlighted by the roses for which the library and neighborhood are named. The artist has received numerous commissions throughout the Pacific Northwest and United States. The library project incorporated green design principles and was completed with a total project cost of $9.4 million.

Following a dedication ceremony that included remarks from City and Library officials, residents were free to explore the library and enjoy a broad range of free entertainment, including storytelling and crafts, a puppet show, and performances by the Trace Elementary School Choir and Lincoln High School’s awarding-winning jazz ensemble, Estetica.

The library acknowledges and appreciates the generosity of numerous individuals and organizations that have supported the opening of the new Rose Garden Branch Library with their contributions, including the following Major Founding Donors:

Other Founding Donors are: John M. Allen, In memory of David and Peggy Barnard, Richard and Jacqueline Boberg, Walter and Pat Bowman, The Busco Family, Shazad Contractor, Dianne and John Daly, Raz Dan and Cynthia Barnes, The Duffy Family, Bela and Joan R. Gallo, Phyllis Gardner, Bryan, Rosalena, Giancarlo & Alexis Garrett, The Gleixner Family, Bunny Laden and Glen Gould, On behalf of Elizabeth, Poncho and Xiomara Guevara, Kenneth and Janet Gray Hayes, The Henriques Family, The Janigian/Herhold Family, Ned and Sheila Himmel, In memory of David L. Hubert, Jody Hucko and Scott MacDonald, Helen Hughes, Dr. and Mrs. Allen Johnson, Dr. and Mrs. Earl W. Koberlein, Pat and Pete Koopman, Erik and Karyn Lammerding, Scott, Lizabeth and Patrick LeFaver, Leiter's Pharmacy, Jane Light, In Honor of Ursula Lukanc, Leonard and Laurie McCrigler, In honor of Amy and Elizabeth McGuire, Clark and Susan Morgan, Daniel and Anita Olesen, Jack Black and Rick Partridge, In memory of Lois Jean Pelose, Pierre and Carol Prodis, In Honor of Madeleine Randal, Rose Garden Neighborhood Preservation Association, Kurt Rosecrans, Alex, Mark, Marguerita and Gary Sasser, Shasta/Hanchett Park Neighborhood Association, The Tawfik Family, Susanne Bohl and Nikos Troullinos, Bernard and Anne-Marie Vogel, Bonnie and Gary Vogel, Mark and Elizabeth Weinstein, In Honor of Laura Winter, In memory of Whitney J. Wright, and Councilmember Ken Yeager. In all, more than 300 Rose Garden residents contributed over $225,000 to their new neighborhood library.

For more information, contact:
• Lorraine Oback, San José Public Library, at (408) 808-2176