Branch Improvement Program

For Immediate Release: March 29, 2013

Contact: Donna Corbeil,
Director of Library Services
510-981-6195

Berkeley Public Library South and Tool Libraries Grand Reopening

The Berkeley Public Library will celebrate the reopening of the newly constructed and expanded South Branch Library on Saturday, May 11, 2013. Located at 1901 Russell Street at MLK Jr Way, the new branch library replaces the previous facility. The new library is designed by the architectural design firm of Field Paoli Architects, San Francisco; the General Contractor is Gonsalves & Stronck Construction Company of San Carlos; and the public art installations are by Gina Dominguez (Snapshot Mosaics), well-respected Oakland mosaics artist.

The grand reopening celebration will begin at 12:30 P.M. Library services will begin immediately following the ceremonial program and the branch will remain open until 5 p.m.  A ribbon cutting ceremony is planned with local and state officials, music and refreshments will be provided. Everyone is invited.

To facilitate the move back into the new space, the Tool Lending Library, temporarily located at 2525 8^th Street, at Dwight Way will CLOSE at 5:30 P.M., Saturday, April 20.

The library will suspend Branch Van services to South Berkeley at 1730 Oregon Street effective the end of the day, Saturday April 27, 2013.  Library Branch Van services to West Berkeley will continue while the West Branch Library is under construction.

Library patrons are asked to please return checked out tools to the Tool Lending library prior to the closing date. All other Library materials may be returned to any of the other three open library locations.

The New South Branch / Tool Lending Library is a warm and welcoming building with improved lighting, ventilation, and thermal comfort. It creates a civic presence for pedestrians and passers-by; inside it offers visitors a spacious and organized layout. The Library is pleased to offer services to the community in the new branch with distinct spaces throughout the building for adults, teens, and children’s services and a true separation of quiet and louder areas. Features of the design include increased square footage, an increase in size from 5,400 SF to 8,700 SF, a flexibly planned program space which will be available throughout the day for multiple purposes and a small group study room. The new space incorporates a variety of seating, including lounge chairs, space for laptop users and increased public computer access.

The much loved, unique Tool Lending Library returns to a larger space with adequate storage for their large collection of tools and designated staff space for maintenance and repair of the collection.

In keeping with Berkeley’s commitment to a green future, the new library design will reduce energy and water consumption. The design team is working to attain LEED Gold Certification, adding photovoltaics to off-set dependence on the energy grid and taking advantage of natural lighting and ventilation opportunities throughout. One such feature is a central, day-lit browsing area with popular materials, CDs and DVDs, holds, and self-check stations. The new Library will serve the community well into the future!

The branch construction was funded by Measure FF, the branch Library improvement program, a $26 million bond measure passed overwhelmingly by the voters in November 2008. Project costs for the South Branch totaled $6.5 million. A separate fundraising campaign by the Berkeley Public Library Foundation is underway to provide new furnishings, fixtures and equipment – expenses not covered by the bond. For more information on how to support the campaign, please contact Kirsten Cowan at kcowan@bplf.org or (510) 981-6115. For more information about the South / TLL Branch Library’s opening celebration, please call (510) 981-6195 or visit www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org.

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For immediate release:
March 30, 2012

Contact: Donna Corbeil, Library Director
510-981-6195

Claremont Branch Library Reopening May 5, 2012

The Berkeley Public Library will celebrate the reopening of the newly renovated and expanded Claremont Branch Library on Saturday, May 5. Located at 2940 Benvenue Avenue at Ashby Avenue, the Claremont Branch is in the heart of the Elmwood neighborhood. The much loved and well-used community landmark, designed by James Plachek in 1924 and expanded in 1975, has undergone a sensitive renovation and small expansion to improve infrastructure, ADA accessibility and safety features.

The grand reopening celebration will begin at 1:00 p.m. Library services will begin at 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.  A ribbon cutting ceremony is planned with local and state officials, music and refreshments will be provided. Everyone is invited.

Features include:

• Designed and built to meet silver certification standards under the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) rating system
• Small addition to create space for new restrooms, staff workspace and reading nook
• New landscaping designed to meet Bay Friendly Landscaping certification standards, administered by the Alameda County Waste Management Authority, Stopwaste.org
• Redesigned exterior spaces, including a new ramp for ADA access, new seating and signage to enhance the branch’s place in the neighborhood
• Public space layout improvements, more comfortable seating, natural light and improved reading light; and separate teen room
• Historic features were carefully preserved, such as the exterior brick work, beautiful wood book cases and wood-framed windows
• Entry and open lobby with an improved layout; and tall dormer windows for more natural light and visibility from the street
• Civic art component created by local artist Eric Powell of a unique exterior metal railing for the new public space

The renovation was undertaken by the architectural design team of Gould Evans / Baum Thornley of San Francisco. The branch has been beautifully restored and is now seismically safe, functional and a model of environmental sustainability.  The branch renovation was funded by Measure FF, the branch Library improvement program, a $26 million bond measure passed overwhelmingly by the voters in November 2008. Project costs for the Claremont Branch totaled $4.4 million. A separate fundraising campaign by the Berkeley Public Library Foundation is underway to provide new furnishings, fixtures and equipment – expenses not covered by the bond. For more information on how to support the campaign, please contact Kirsten Cowan at kcowan@bplf.org or (510) 981-6115. For more information about the Claremont Branch Library’s opening celebration, please call (510) 981-6195 or visit www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org

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For Immediate Release:
March 20, 2012

Contact: Sarah Dentan, Neighborhood and
Children’s Services Manager
510-981-6195

Tool Lending Library Now Open

Beginning Tuesday, March 20^th, Berkeley Public Library’s Tool Lending Library will be open to the public at its temporary location 2525 8th Street, at Dwight Way. The Tool Library will operate out of this temporary location while the South Branch Library is closed for approximately 15 months to allow for the construction of a new 8,700 square foot library. The South Branch is closed as of Saturday, March 17, 2012.

The Tool Lending Library hours of service are Tuesday & Saturday 10:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Wednesday & Thursday 12 noon to 7:30 p.m. and Friday 1:00 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., closed on Sunday and Monday.

The Tool lending library carries a wide range of hand and power tools available for loan to Berkeley residents and property owners at no cost. A full list of the tools available for checkout with a valid Berkeley library card is available at: http://www.berkeleypubliclibrary.org/about_the_library/neighborhood_branches/tool_lending_library/index.php

We extend our thanks and appreciation to everyone for their support of Measure FF and, since that time, participation in the public design and approval process which has brought us to this milestone. The new library will be built following the demolition of the current facility. The replacement Library, designed by the San Francisco firm of Field Paoli Architects, will meet all current codes, provide adequate space for users of all ages and is designed to be warm and inviting; creating a welcoming civic presence and enhanced services to the community. The Tool Lending Library will be part of the new space, with increased room for storage and an improved layout.

During the closure, patrons are encouraged to visit the remaining open library facilities. In addition, Library BranchVan service will begin on Monday, March 26^th on Oregon Street, just west of Grant Street. Check out the Library’s Branch Construction Projects webpage or pick up a South Branch Temporary Closure Guide for more service information during the temporary closure that includes the BranchVan and children’s storytime schedules.

The Library will continue to post project information and updates on its website at: berkeleypubliclibrary.org/branchimprovements and hopes to see you at the South Branch Library grand re-opening, anticipated in Spring 2013.

For more information call 510-981-6101.

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For Immediate Release:
March 14, 2012

Contact: Donna Corbeil, Library Director
510-981-6195

West Branch Library Celebration and Temporary Closure for Construction

Beginning Monday, May 7^th, the West Branch Library will be closed for approximately 15 months to allow for the construction of a new 9,300 square foot library.  To celebrate the beginning of construction for the new library a community event will be held on Saturday, April 14^th, 2012 from 2:30 to 4:30 pm, everyone is invited. Refreshments and entertainment are planned with a brief program at 2:45 p.m. and musical group Colibri performing music for the whole family at 3:30.  The last open day for public service will be Saturday, May 5^th, 2012.

We extend our thanks and appreciation to everyone for their support of Measure FF and, since that time, participation in the public design and approval process which has brought us to this milestone.  The new library will be built following the demolition of the current facility. The replacement Library, designed by the Harley Ellis Devereaux – Greenworks Studio, will be a Zero Net Energy building and will meet all current codes, with adequate space to accommodate all library and adult literacy programs.  Features include a quiet study room, teen room, program room that can be used for multiple purposes throughout the day, increased computer access, improved access to collections and comfortable seating for adults and children, to create an oasis for learning and reading as envisioned by the community during the planning process.

During the closure, patrons are encouraged to visit the remaining open library facilities. In addition, Library BranchVan service will begin on Monday, May 7^th, 2012 on Allston Way, just west of 9^th St., near Rosa Parks School.  Summer storytimes will be held on Saturdays at Rosa Parks School, starting on June 16^th, 2012.  Check out the Library’s Branch Construction Projects webpage or pick up a West Branch Temporary Closure Guide for more service information during the temporary closure that includes the BranchVan and children’s storytime schedules.

Berkeley READS, Berkeley Public Library’s Adult Literacy Service, will be operating out of the Central Library during this temporary closure.

The Library will continue to post project information and updates on its website at:berkeleypubliclibrary.org/branchimprovements and hopes to see you at the West Branch Library grand re-opening, anticipated in Spring 2013.

We look forward to bringing you a beautiful, current code compliant, seismically safe, fully accessible green building in the near future. The branch library improvement program is funded by Measure FF, passed by voters in November 2008.

For more information call 510-981-6195.

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For immediate Release:
February 21, 2012

Contact: Donna Corbeil, Library Director
510-981-6195

South Branch Library Celebration and Temporary Closure for Construction

Beginning Monday, March 19^th, the South Branch Library will be closed for approximately 15 months to allow for the construction of a new 8,700 square foot library.  To celebrate the beginning of construction for the new library a community event will be held on Saturday, March 10, 2012 from 2 to 5 pm, everyone is invited. Refreshments and entertainment are planned with a brief program at 3 p.m. The last open day for public service will be Saturday, March 17, 2012.

We extend our thanks and appreciation to everyone for their support of Measure FF and, since that time, participation in the public design and approval process which has brought us to this milestone.  The new library will be built following the demolition of the current facility. The replacement Library, designed by the San Francisco firm of Field Paoli Architects, will meet all current codes, provide adequate space for users of all ages and is designed to be warm and inviting; creating a welcoming civic presence and enhanced services to the community.  The Tool Lending Library will be part of the new space, with increased room for storage and an improved layout.

During the closure, patrons are encouraged to visit the remaining open library facilities. In addition, Library BranchVan service will begin on Monday, March 26^th on Oregon Street, just west of Grant Street.  Check out the Library’s Branch Construction Projects webpage or pick up a South Branch Temporary Closure Guide for more service information during the temporary closure that includes the BranchVan and children’s storytime schedules.

The Tool Lending Library located at 1901 Russell Street is closed as of Friday, February 17 and will re-open in its temporary location, 2547 8^th Street, beginning Tuesday March 20^th.

The Library will continue to post project information and updates on its website at: berkeleypubliclibrary.org/branchimprovements and hopes to see you at the South Branch Library grand re-opening, anticipated in Spring 2013.

We look forward to bringing you a beautiful, current code compliant, seismically safe, fully accessible green building in the near future. The branch library improvement program is funded by Measure FF, passed by voters in November 2008.

For more information call 510-981-6195.

South Branch Library Temporary Closure Announcement

South Branch Library Closing Celebration Invitation

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