New
and Enhanced Library Opens in East San José
New Hillview Branch Library is nearly three times larger
January 20, 2007 -
Residents of the Hillview neighborhood gathered Saturday to celebrate
the opening of a new, larger community library. The design of
the 21,035-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 Hillview Library features an Internet café, community
living room with a fireplace, technology center, teen area, group
and quiet study areas, and a community room that will accommodate
85 persons, as well as significantly more space for seating, collections
and computers. The new structure, adjacent to Fischer Middle School,
represents a major expansion. The new library is approximately
3 blocks northwest of the old Hillview Library. Free WiFi access
will be available during library hours.
Although unable to attend today’s celebration, San José
Mayor Chuck Reed extended words of appreciation to those involved
in bringing about this milestone, saying, “The Hillview
Branch Library is a tremendous achievement for San José
and shows what can be accomplished when dedicated individuals
work towards bettering our community.”
The Library worked with community representatives, Aedis Architecture
and Planning (San Jose, Calif.) and BRCO Constructors (Loomis,
Calif.) to achieve a vision of dynamic spaces and experiences
that address the needs and preferences of local residents.
Public art by San Francisco artist Amy Trachtenberg enhances
that vision in her work Groundwork. Learning that many
community members had worked in the region’s historic agricultural
industry, she strived to commemorate this legacy. Each of the
eight freestanding columns supporting the circular entry rotunda
is composed of materials that recall the labor of the land. The
intrinsic beauty of the farmed landscape provided the inspiration
for the other component of Groundwork: a series of twenty-six
paintings called The Shadow Frieze that encircle the
rotunda, evoking the aerial views of tilled earth, orchards, and
crop rows. The total project cost, including public art, was $11.1
million. Generous contributions from the local community helped
to furnish the interior, providing furniture and equipment.
"San José’s public libraries capture the history,
thoughts and adventures of the world in one place for the entire
community,” said Councilmember Nora Campos. “Residents
can spend the entire day exploring new places and developing new
ideas at home in the new Hillview Library."
The new Hillview Library replaces the original 7,288-square-foot
library, located at 2255 Ocala Avenue, that had served the area
since 1965. Councilmember Campos worked closely with Alum Rock
Union School District to negotiate the agreement to develop the
state-of-the-art library on the Fischer Middle School campus.
The new facility is the ninth 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.
"Hillview is the fifth new library we’ve opened in
the past year and it brings great satisfaction knowing that residents
in each of these neighborhoods will be able to enjoy beautiful
new facilities equipped for the 21st century,” said Library
Director Jane Light. Today’s opening was preceded by those
for Rose Garden (February), Almaden (May), Evergreen (September)
and Cambrian (November) branch libraries. “We’re very
happy to be co-located with Fischer Middle School and appreciate
our partnership with the Alum Rock Unified School District,”
Light concluded.
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
• Francis Zamora, District 5, (408) 535-4947
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