Willow Glen Resident
News
Books win in design for San Jose's new Library
ByTiffany Carney
West San Jose residents will have more reading options but less gardening space when the new Calabazas Library opens at 1320 Blaney Ave.
After incorporating community input from a Feb. 25 meeting, Krong Design Inc. recently unveiled plans for a new library that includes space for 20,000 more books than the current building holds, but at the expense of the community garden at the long, narrow site.
To maximize the limited site, the 10,000-square-foot, rectangular building will be constructed on the northernmost portion of the property and stretch 160 feet.
The new library will encroach on the southern portion of the garden, reducing its size by one-third. The community garden is one of 17 in San Jose.
"We are relocating those plots closest to the new building to make sure they will not be under the shadow of the building," said Simeon Mercado, parks manager. "It was decided with the city that we would have to reduce the size of the community garden."
The new garden will have 33 plots--one more than it does now--but each plot will be smaller.
The goal is to have as little impact on the garden as possible, Mercado added.
Construction of the new garden is set to begin in December and end by March in time for the spring planting season.
The existing 5,880-square-foot library is scheduled for demolition in summer 2009 and is set to reopen in early 2011 with a 100,000-book capacity, a group study room, teen reading room, adult section with a fireplace and a children's section with an enhanced story-telling area.
Free WiFi, 20 public computer stations with Internet access and an Internet café that can double as a teaching room will also be available.
A community room near the parking lot but connected to the building is also planned. The room will be accessible from inside and outside of the library, allowing meetings to be held after library hours, with access to restrooms but not the library itself.
The reconstruction of the library is a result of a 2000 bond measure and a 1994 parcel tax, renewed in 2004.
Russell Grove has lived in the neighborhood since 1972 and has seen many changes over the years. About 15 years ago, he remembers finding an empty library when he would come for a book or two, but times have changed. "Now when you come in, it is just a busy, busy place," he said.
Grove was pleased with the idea of the oversized plaza entrance and the beacon "tower" that would be illuminated with colored glass and lights above the library doors.
"It sounded really appealing," he said of the overall look and feel.
Rose Tyson, who has lived in the area for 40 years, liked the design of the new library and was happy to be a part of the process.
"I feel included," she said.
Margie Vargas frequents the library with her 6-year-old daughter and will continue to do so after renovations are completed. "I look forward to taking advantage of the new library," she said.
During construction, patrons are encouraged to utilize the West Valley Branch Library, 1243 San Tomas Aquino Road in San Jose.
Questions about the community garden can be directed toward Simeon Mercado, at 408.793.5526 or Manny Perez, community garden coordinator, at 408.793.5533.
