Photograph by Paul Myers

'A History of Saratoga's Libraries' is a new limited-edition book by Saratoga historian Willys Peck and published by the Friends of the Saratoga Libraries.




Book chronicles Saratoga's libraries

By Shari Kaplan

"Despite the availability of videotapes, CDs and other resources, books really are what libraries are all about. After all, the word is derived from the Latin noun liber, or book," writes longtime Saratoga historian and bibliophile Willys Peck in the newly released A History of Saratoga's Libraries.

The hand-bound hardcover with a matching slipcover is a publication of the Friends of the Saratoga Libraries, printed in Washington state by The Arts and Crafts Press and limited to 350 numbered copies.

"The book tells the story of Saratoga's libraries from the first drugstore [housed] library in 1905, through the successful general obligation bond campaign in 2000 to expand and renovate the present facility," explains Jim Givens, a Friends member who helped coordinate the book project. "The story is friendly, entertaining and factual."

The facility to which he refers is that at 13650 Saratoga Ave., which closed earlier this year for an expansion funded by a $15 million bond measure promoted by the Friends and approved by Saratoga voters in March 2000. Among the library's renovations will be growth from 18,000 to 31,000 square feet and the planting of orchard trees around the perimeter, in keeping with the area's agricultural past.

The trees are an appropriate touch, seeing as the book's cover and unifying inside motif is that of apricot trees, leaves and fruits. The illustrations, including green and apricot-orange block prints, are by Bay Area artist Yoshiko Yamamoto.

Also of note are two never-before published Ansel Adams photographs of old Oak Street Village Library, which served Saratoga for many decades prior to the Saratoga Avenue library's opening some 23 years ago. Givens also took several photos, including the dual images that conclude it: Peck's original library card from 1929, and Peck standing in a Saratoga orchard of today.

Although most people come to Peck for information about Saratoga's past, he says the book proved to be a learning experience for him as well. "Some of the sources I quoted I probably wouldn't have had occasion to look up otherwise," says Peck, who hopes his book will join the ranks of other local reference materials.

"A lot of people use the library, so I hope that at least some of them would want to learn a little more about the library's history," Peck adds.

---

A History of Saratoga Libraries is available at the Book-Go-Round, 14410 Oak St., which is maintained by the Friends of the Saratoga Libraries. The cost is $175, $125 of which is tax-deductible. Proceeds benefit the Friends, which will help to purchase furnishings and technology for the new library. For more information, call 408.867.5552.

---

Photo: A Space Odyssey Christmas

Local Home Sales Listings

Friends of the Saratoga Libraries publishes 'A History of Saratoga's Libraries'

Saratoga Sampler

Sports Briefs

High school sports