New and Enhanced Library Opens in Evergreen
September 16, 2006 -
Evergreen neighborhood residents gathered Saturday to celebrate
the opening of a new, larger community library. The design of
the 21,000-square-foot facility - nearly three times larger than
the original - incorporates what has become the standard blueprint
for all new San José branch library construction.
The Evergreen Library features an Internet café, community
living room with a fireplace, tech center, 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. In addition, free WiFi access will be available during
library open hours.
"The new Evergreen Library keeps the ambitious promise we
made to the people of San José to create beautiful and
practical neighborhood centers for reading, learning, community-building,”
said San José Mayor Ron Gonzales. “The outstanding
support of our residents who approved the funding needed to enhance
San José libraries is creating one of the best urban library
systems in the nation that we all can take pride in.”
The library worked with community representatives, Studios Architecture,
and Hagensen Pacific Construction Co., Inc., to achieve a vision
of dynamic spaces and experiences that address the needs and preferences
of local residents. Public art by Larry Kirkland enhances that
vision. Located in the Viewing Garden that spans the northeast
façade of the new library, the artwork Discoveries suggests
the human potential for learning and exploration through our senses.
Three large natural stones of white Carrara marble are formed
into an ear, mouth, and eye suggesting three of the senses we
use most often to explore our environment, increase our knowledge
and communicate. The stone sculptures imply our commonality in
the universal desire for knowledge.
The total project cost, including public art, is estimated at
$10,192,000. Generous contributions from the local community helped
to furnish the interior, providing furniture and equipment.
"The expanded Evergreen branch library is in the heart of
our district, with something for each member of the family to
enjoy,” said District 8 Councilmember Dave Cortese. “Free
Internet access, a teen study area, an exquisite selection of
children's picture books - families should come by and let the
world of books and other media transport them to faraway places
and times."
The new Evergreen Library replaces the original 7,448-square-foot
library that had served the area on the same site since 1976.
The new facility is the seventh library to be completed using
funds from local bond measures approved in 2000 by San José
voters. The Branch Library Bond Measure provides $212 million
over 10 years dedicated to the construction of six new and 14
expanded libraries in San José.
Following the dedication ceremony that included remarks from
city and library officials, residents were able to explore the
library and enjoy free entertainment and activities for kids.
For more information, contact:
• Lorraine Oback, San José Public Library, at (408)
808-2176
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