FEBRUARY, 2007: Advisory Planning Committee Discussed New San Carlos Library Construction Plans
On February 27, 2007, the San Carlos Library Planning Committee met with David Pfeifer, AIA, of the award winning architectural firm of Dominy + Associates, to review the updated plans for the new 25, 000 square foot San Carlos library to be constructed at the corner of Golfcrest and Jackson.
The proposed design makes use of the natural landscape, building the new structure on the now vacant corner lot. This will allow our existing library to remain open during most of the construction phase. The land now occupied by the current library structure will become the main parking area for 68 cars. Another 10 parking spaces will be available to the lower level on the north side of the structure. Access to the parking area will be from Jackson only, while egress can be either onto Jackson or Golfcrest.
The structure will be two story, with many exciting features. The top story will have direct access from the main parking area and comprises all library functions. Entrance to the library will be via a beautiful courtyard sprinkled with landscaping and seating areas. As you enter, you will be greeted by a spacious 17,000 square foot room cleverly divided and designed with all age groups in mind. It includes an airy main adult library area made for quiet reading, complete with a fireplace and terraces with a view, a 25 station computer lab, a special teen area, a large childrens area, conference area, book check out, librarian work and reference areas, and restrooms. The entire library has wireless internet access. There will be additional computer ports throughout the main library section.
On the lower level which can be accessed from the main parking area via an outdoor elevator or stairwell, and from the north side via another large landscaped courtyard adjacent to the additional 10 parking spaces, many surprises await you. First, there is the approx 2600 square foot community room. This will be equipped with state of the art acoustics and AV equipment, a kitchen for catered events, a 600 square foot stage, and storage area for furniture. Rest room facilities are handy. Two conference rooms are accessible from this area.
This lower level will also house a 2500 square foot Community Service Center and Police Storefront. These two areas will share six office/conference rooms, a workroom, storage area, and restrooms.
And last, but not least, the San Carlos Friends of the Library will have their own book storage area where all of the Monthly Book Sale books can be stored in one place. The lower courtyard area will be a lovely setting to spend the first Saturday of each month perusing for your favorite titles. Now is the perfect time to become a member of the San Carlos Friends of the Library and actively support this beautiful and functional addition to the San Carlos community. Memberships start at only $5.00 annually . Applications are available at the library. Library fund raising will soon begin in earnest. Please support this project in any way you can. Spread the word! JOIN, BUY OR DONATE A BOOK, SUPPORT YOUR LIBRARY.
An area wide meeting soliciting additional community input into the design for the San Carlos Library was held on JULY 10 at the SAN CARLOS LIBRARY at 6:30 p.m.
