Expanded Pearl Avenue Branch Library Breaks Ground
Bond-funded project will double the size of old neighborhood library
September 30, 2006 -
Residents in the Pearl Avenue neighborhood joined San José
officials today to celebrate the beginning of construction for
a new 14,000-square-foot branch library to replace the original
7,116-square-foot library that opened on the same site in 1971.
"With the strong support of San José residents, we’re
truly transforming our neighborhood library system to better serve
our community with bigger, better, and modern branches that meet
the needs of library users now and in the future,” said
Mayor Ron Gonzales. “The results of this ambitious vision
are making the San José branch library system one of the
best in the nation while supporting lifelong learning and literacy
for our residents.”
Pearl Avenue Branch Library is the second of two San José
library bond construction projects launched this year, and one
of 20 new or replacement branches that will be completed by 2010
under the Branch Library Bond Measure, approved San José
voters in November 2000.
The construction program provides $212 million over ten years
to build six new and fourteen expanded branch libraries throughout
San José neighborhoods. Eight branches have already been
completed, and nine more are currently in design or construction
stages.
"It is always exciting to see a dream become a reality,”
said Councilmember Judy Chirco, who represents the Pearl Avenue
area on the city council. “The groundbreaking for the Pearl
Avenue Branch Library is the next stage of a wonderful dream that
will soon be a reality for our community."
The new library, which will be built on the original site at
4270 Pearl Avenue, will have the look and feel of an attractive
bookstore. Highlights will include an Internet café, community
living room with a fireplace, technology lab, teen area, and group
and quiet study areas. The branch also will include a community
room that will accommodate 48 persons to serve as a neighborhood
gathering spot, as well as significantly more space for seating,
collections and computers.
Building design is by Anderson Brule Architects, Inc. of San
José, and the project will be built by Bogard Construction,
Inc. of Santa Cruz. Public art for the project will be completed
by Lynn Goodpost. Total project budget is $9.3 million.
Onset of construction also marks the beginning of fundraising
efforts to furnish and stock the library for opening day, projected
to occur in spring 2008. 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.
For more information, contact:
• Lorraine Oback, San José Public Library, at (408)
808-2176
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