Expanded Willow Glen Branch Library Breaks Ground
Bond-funded project will more than double the size of beloved library
December 2, 2006 -
Residents in the Willow Glen neighborhood joined San José
officials today to celebrate the beginning of construction for
a new 13,338-square-foot branch library to replace the original
5,330-square-foot library that opened on the same site in 1949.
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.
"We have been making amazing progress this year to deliver
our promise to the people of San Jose to create an outstanding
neighborhood library system that meets the needs of our growing
and changing community," said Mayor Ron Gonzales. "Achieving
our ambitious vision to make the San José library system
one of the best in the nation is one of the things I've been most
proud of during my eight years as mayor."
Willow Glen Branch Library is the third of three 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.
"I am so excited about the new Willow Glen Library,”
said Councilmember Ken Yeager, who represents the Willow Glen
area on the city council. “After opening the new Rose Garden
Library a few months ago, I am confident that Willow Glen residents
will love their new branch just as much as Rose Garden residents
are enjoying theirs."
At the request of the Willow Glen community, the new building
will be built on the original site at 1157 Minnesota Avenue and
its design will preserve the landmark large oak tree at that location.
The new library will have the look and feel of an attractive bookstore.
Highlights include expanded collections, a community living room
with a fireplace, group study areas, a community room that accommodates
60 people, and ample space for over twice as much seating, as
well as, an Internet café, technology center, and an increase
from eight to 21 computers. The project will also increase available
parking to accommodate 45 vehicles.
Building design is by Krong Design, Inc. and JCA Architects of
San José, and the project will be built by Ralph Larsen
and Sons. Public art for the project will be completed by David
Ruth. Total project budget is approximately $9 million.
Onset of construction also marks the beginning of fundraising
efforts to furnish and stock the library for opening day, projected
to occur in fall 2008. Those interested in supporting this effort
may contact the San José Public Library Foundation at (408)
808-2174.
For more information, contact:
• Lorraine Oback, San José Public Library, at (408)
808-2176
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