New and Enhanced Library Opens in Cambrian
November 18, 2006 -
Thousands of Cambrian neighborhood residents gathered Saturday
to celebrate the opening of a new, larger community library. The
design of the 28,000-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 Cambrian 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. The imposing, two-story structure, located near the
corner of Hillsdale and Ross Avenues, maintains a high profile
in the neighborhood making it very easy to locate. Free WiFi access
will be available during library hours.
"Neighborhood by neighborhood, we’re building one
of the finest urban library systems in the nation because of the
strong support from our residents,” said San José
Mayor Ron Gonzales. “I’m proud that we’re finally
catching up with long-overdue investments to provide San Jose
residents with the outstanding libraries they need for lifelong
learning.”
The library worked with community representatives, Anderson Brulé
Architects, and Bogard Construction, Inc., to achieve a vision
of dynamic spaces and experiences that address the needs and preferences
of local residents.
Public art by Andrea Myklebust and Stanton Sears enhances that
vision. Designed as an integrated element of the stairway and
balcony railings, the artwork Cambrian BeeLine employs narrative
elements drawn from the natural and social histories of the area.
It incorporates visual content that is meaningful to the community
using the library. The illustration of locally-cultivated fruits
in grid patterns refers not only to the agricultural history of
orchards near the site, but also to the gathering and categorization
of information as it occurs in a library. Pastoral imagery dominates
the work, remembering and celebrating ways of life which have
largely vanished from the area.
Themes of exploration and discovery are emphasized in a variety
of ways. The repeated use of weaving (in representational forms,
and in more abstract renderings of roadways and paths), is intended
to suggest the complexity and organization of human knowledge.
The work is comprised of twenty-one water-jet cut stainless steel
panels with woven stainless steel wire mesh elements and approximately
seventy-four, three-dimensional cast glass and bronze sculptures,
some with gold leaf, mounted along its length. Each of the panels
is unique, and is rolled to match the curves of the stair and
second-floor balcony.
"I toured the new library and it is absolutely wonderful,”
said Councilmember Judy Chirco. "From the computer room to
the kid’s place, from the notable architecture to the public
art, the new Cambrian Library is spectacular. I could hardly wait
for the doors to open and the celebration to begin."
The new Cambrian Library replaces the original 10,126-square-foot
library that had served the area on the same site since 1961.
The new facility is the eighth 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.
"Cambrian is the fourth new library we’ve opened this
year, yet each celebration is as exciting as the first knowing
that residents in each neighborhood are gaining a wonderful facility
that will serve their needs for many years to come,” said
Library Director Jane Light. “The planned opening of our
new Hillview Branch in early 2007 will put us close to the half-way
mark in completing our capital investment program."
The library project was completed on-time and under-budget. The
total project cost, including public art, was $13.4 million. Generous
contributions from the local community helped to furnish the interior,
providing furniture and equipment.
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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