Architects Steve Krong, Jeanette Coran and Kelly Simcox presented the architectural design for the library's new exterior on March 6.

Krong said it all comes down to "Willow Glen being a small town in a big city."

In October 2005, the community considered three concepts for the architecture and decided on the one that keeps the residential feel and is configured as a rectangular building that extends from Minnesota Avenue to the back of the lot.

This design incorporates the oak tree and builds around it, making the tree a focal point at the library's entrance. An exterior courtyard around the oak tree is also planned, along with two entrances, one from Minnesota Avenue, another from the parking lot. Parking will remain in the back, with a roundabout incorporated into the design for easier driving access. The existing driveway will be widened to allow for better traffic flow. Bicycle racks will be included, and parking spaces will increase from 27 to 50. The design incorporates a small reading plaza in the front and another reading plaza in the rear of the building. The adult reading area inside the library will include vaulted ceilings that will offer greater bookshelf space. There will be a double-sided fireplace with seating to create a cozy atmosphere. An Internet café, as well as a technology center at the front of the building, are also planned.

Maintaining privacy around the site and screening the neighboring residents will be factored into the design. The architects are considering trees as screening along the driveway, rear and front of the building.

The exterior of the building will look like a residential building with gables and wood siding; framed windows and a trellis will line the Minnesota Avenue entrance.

The interior will have a variety of ceiling heights, including a vaulted ceiling at the entrance to maximize the natural light.

The residents listening to the plans said they did not want to see "erector set-like" ceilings, but architects assured them that the vaulted areas would expose the wood frame and look homey.

Another item that brought mixed reviews was the exterior color scheme.

The first selection was olive-toned colors and gave the building a subtle appearance. The second was a brighter appearance that used shades of red.

Concerns aside, locals such as North Willow Glen resident Clark Williams thought the architects did a thorough job.

"You will never make everyone in Willow Glen happy," Clark said.

The aging 41-year-old Willow Glen facility is approximately 5,330 square feet. The city plans to expand it to 13,000 square feet. The one-story remodel is scheduled to begin this fall and be completed by the summer of 2008.

The library is being reconstructed as a result of the branch library bond measure passed by voters in November 2000.

The bond provides $212 million over 10 years for the construction of six rebuilt and 14 expanded branch libraries in San Jose.