Campbell residents eager for the opening of the completely renovated library are going to have to wait a little longer.
The grand opening of the Campbell Library, initially pegged for Nov. 22, is delayed until early next year. Jennifer Weeks, librarian for the Santa Clara County Library District, said construction is still being finalized. In the meantime, Campbell’s Express Library at the community center next to the Orchard City Banquet Hall is open until year’s end.
As with any major construction project, there are many moving parts that can impact the schedule, Diane Roche, spokesperson for Santa Clara County Library District, said. The county operates the library, which is one of eight libraries in its system.
“There is still some interior work that needs to be completed,” Roche told San José Spotlight, “including bringing in the books, technology, furnishings and staff.”
The construction of the city-owned library became a reality after the passage of Measure O, a 2018 bond measure that was key to raising funds. Campbell held a ribbon cutting Oct. 17 to signify the completion of construction and handoff to the library district to begin its improvements. Construction took about two years.
The funding for the new library came from a variety of sources. The majority of the money, about $20.5 million, came from $50-million bond Measure O. The city also used the bond to build a new police station. Additional funding came from a $4.7 million state library grant and $500,000 from a Silicon Valley Clean Energy grant. The Santa Clara County Library District contributed about $510,000, according to the Campbell Public Works Department.
Campbell City Manager Brian Loventhal said the county needs time to outfit the building. The city also applied for grants to make the library fully electric, which added to the timeline.
“Measure O was approved in 2018, so if it takes a couple (more) weeks to get it right (it’s worth it). Our goal is to have a beautiful library that we’re proud of for the public,” he told San José Spotlight. “It takes some time for them to put in all the equipment and shelves. They’re working furiously to get it open.”
It’s been a long time coming, but everything worth doing is worth the wait, Roche said. The 77 Harrison Ave. library opened in 1975 before it was torn down in 2018 to make room for its modern version at the same location.
While the lower level of the previous library felt like a basement, natural light fills every level of the new modern library. Designed with natural wood throughout and a color palette of blue, green and yellow, the library is a calming and inviting space, Roche said. The upper floor includes a community room with state-of-the-art technology, as well as an area called “The Overlook” with comfortable seating where people can relax.
Loventhal said the library, located in the park setting of Orchard City Green, has been completely reimagined. The previous building was torn down to the studs and foundation as there was water intrusion.
“The main thing was to make it more usable in layout and floor plan and update all the systems. We’re very proud that it is an environmentally sensitive building. It is energy efficient.” Loventhal said. “We now have floor to ceiling windows throughout the structure. It allows for plentiful natural light and the outdoor environment to be enjoyed from inside the library.”
Through the years, libraries have evolved from mostly quiet reading rooms to gathering places, he said. The city responded to public requests to add more meeting spaces, which can be reserved.
Roche said in a dedicated children’s room, youngsters will be immersed in an imaginary downtown Campbell, including a little Ainsley House theater where they can put on shows. There is also a dedicated area for babies.
Interactive letters, numbers, animals and sight words will invite children to play and learn. It’s all about encouraging and instilling a love of reading and learning, Roche said. TowerBot, a friendly guide, will introduce visitors to the Dreamy Downtown early learning children’s space as part of Storybook SCCLD, she said.
“It is absolutely magical,” Roche told San José Spotlight. “The residents of Campbell deserve this. It truly is a welcoming space for everyone. It is going to be something very special.”
Contact Lorraine Gabbert at [email protected].
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