Contact: Donna Corbeil
Library Director
510-981-6195
Beginning Monday, March 19th, 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 26th 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 8th Street, beginning Tuesday March 20th. 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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