First "Green
Sustainable" Building Constructed
by the City of San José
West Valley Residents Celebrate Grand Opening of New and
Expanded Library Facility
San José, CA ---- West Valley residents
gathered with library staff and city officials today to celebrate the
grand opening of the new and expanded West Valley Branch Library. The
site of the new facility (1243 San Tomas Aquino Road) is located adjacent
to the former site, yet the quality of service is significantly enhanced.
"Libraries like the new West Valley branch help make our neighborhoods
stronger because they are centers for learning and community gatherings,"
said Mayor Ron Gonzales. "This wonderful new library reflects the
hopes and dreams of our residents who have been waiting many years for
this day."
At 20,000 square feet, the new library offers expanded room for collections,
over four times as many seats and networked computers, a community room
seats 100, and two group study rooms. The new West Valley Branch Library
has a Technology Center complete with 13 networked, flat screen computers,
providing an inviting environment for homework and other personal research.
This branch library bears the added distinction of being the first
"green sustainable" facility constructed by the City of San
José. Part of the City of San José's Sustainable
City Project Program, the building was designed to LEEDS Certified standards,
integrating principles of sustainable design. Major design consideration
areas for this program include water efficiency, energy and atmosphere,
materials and resources, indoor environmental quality and innovation and
design principles. "Today, the West Valley Branch Library stands
as a model for our built environment," said Councilwoman Linda J.
LeZotte. "I imagine that tomorrow, design, construction and operations
that integrate a sustainable vision for our natural resources will be
the expectation."
Design of the new library incorporates features of the 21st Century Library
model that will be used in later projects. The new library features spaces
specifically designed for programs and study, more computers, comfortable
seating, and three Express Check machines for self-checkout.
"Good news travels fast," said Library Director Jane Light.
"In just its first month of operations, materials borrowing at the
new West Valley Branch logged an increase of 14% over the same month the
previous year. Installation of multiple self-checkout stations will enable
branches to manage the increased usage and still provide the personal
assistance that our customers need in other areas."
Building new facilities is the first step towards providing enhanced
library services for the residents of San José, but more is yet
required. "We want to create libraries that inspire learning and
celebrate knowledge," stated Jan Fox, president of the San José
Public Library Foundation. "With the help of our community, we can
do it."
While estimated revenues have dropped much lower than expected, the City also
projects a 5.2% growth in expenses, primarily from labor costs that the
City is contractually obligated to deliver under existing multi-year contracts.
Labor costs represent 71% of the City’s General Fund. New contracts
will be negotiated this spring with bargaining units that together make
up approximately 53% of the General Fund labor costs.
* * * * *
West Valley Branch Library was designed by Rob Wellington Quigley, FAIA
with interior design consultation provided by Environments. The general
contractor for construction was West Bay Builders, Inc.
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