JULY, 2007: New San Carlos Branch Library Update

On July 10, 2007, City Councilmember Jim Madaffer hosted a well attended community wide meeting at the San Carlos Library, where architect David Pfeifer, AIA, of Dominy + Associates gave an excellent presentation of the updated plans for the new San Carlos Library to be constructed on the corner of Golfcrest and Jackson.

Questions and concerns from the audience were answered by both Mr. Pfeifer and Mr. Madaffer.

Mr. Madaffer fielded questions that concerned the timing of the ground breaking for the new library. He assured us that he, the entire City Council and Mayor Jerry Sanders are committed to the library system. He feels that this library will be ready for bonding within twelve to eighteen months. This should coincide with the final approval of the cleanup of contamination from the gas station that was on the corner of Golfcrest & Jackson. Construction cannot begin until this final approval is given.

At 25,000 square feet, the San Carlos Library will be one of the largest branch libraries in the San Diego area. The upper 17,000 square foot level, accessed directly from the parking lot, is all dedicated library space. Special areas for staff, check out, children, teens, adults, meetings, and computer users of all ages will be delineated while still being expertly combined into a one story, open floor plan. A fireplace and outdoor patio area have been designed for quiet reading. The buildings lower level comprises an additional 8000 square feet, and will house a 2600 square foot community room with stage and service kitchen, a large patio area for quiet reflection or entertaining, an area for Friends of the Library book storage and sales, conference rooms, rest rooms, and a police store front. The lower level can be accessed from its own 10 parking spaces, or from the upper 68 parking spaces via an outside elevator or stairwwell. The entire structure is state of the art handicap accessible. The interior and exterior design will take their cue from our beautiful San Carlos Mission Trails Park Visitors Center, making use of natural materials and landscaping. The entire project, both in its design and construction, is ecologically friendly with the goal of obtaining a LEED Silver environmental acceditation designation.

If you have any suggestions, questions or concerns about the design of the new San Carlos Branch Library, contact the office of City Councilmember Jim Madaffer.