March 2, 2007

New Beginnings

Willow Glen Branch library building demolished

New branch construction to begin soon

People, trucks and bulldozers were all present at the site of the Willow Glen Branch library when demolition began recently.

It took two and a half days to complete destruction of the building. Four people assisted in separating the various materials, which were diverted from disposal in landfills and directed to recyclable recovery sources that put the materials back into the manufacturing process.

Removing the paving from the parking lot took a bit longer and then it was graded in order to start establishing a building pad for the new library as well as begin trenching to incorporate the various utilities.

Construction of the new library is scheduled for completion in July 2008 or about 18 months after the demolition.

The new building at 13,000 square feet will be more than twice the size of the 5,330 square foot old facility.

Computers will also increase, nearly tripling from eight to as many as 23, while available seating increases to 87.
But not everything will change. The oak tree that has graced the back patio for several generations will remain as will the tile work in the courtyard.

The Library Foundation continues to raise money to furnish the library. Mary McLane, who is spearheading the fundraising, is working to “out do the Almaden branch. We hope to raise more than $250,000. We have 18 months to raise it, I’m confident that we have a great team and the community is supportive of the library,” she said when the library held a groundbreaking ceremony last December.

The money raised will provide new books to augment the collection. Most of the branch’s books are at the new Cambrian branch. When the new library opens, the collections will come from other nearby branches that have closed prior to rebuilding or remodeling. The funds also will buy furnishings such as furniture and checkout machines as well as technology including computers.