It will house books, files and reference material that have been collected at the Saratoga Museum over the years. Three computer workstations will also be available to those who want to look at old photographs or research documents that have been stored in the museum database.

"The museum has information on the West Valley that dates back to the 1890s, but it was not available to interested visitors without some difficulty. Until this time the files and books were kept in the museum vault or in the storage room," said April Halberstadt, curator of the Saratoga Historical Museum. She said that it would be much easier to access the information now with the new resource center.

"The Resource Center is the most obvious change in the museum since it was moved from its original location on Big Basin Way in 1975," she said in an email.

Two of the walls at the center have been painted bright yellow and orange, lending a bright touch to the room. About 20 people can meet in the room at one time, according to Halberstadt.

"Until this time, visitors who were interested in looking at the scrapbooks and other references had to do so in the museum exhibit area. This new space will allow researchers to work without being disturbed," said Halberstadt.

The museum also has a new ADA-approved bathroom and a sturdier set of stairs in front.

A $30,000 grant from Santa Clara County, courtesy of the Parks Charter Fund, helped in the building of the new resource center. Funding for the front stairs was provided by the city of Saratoga. The Saratoga Rotary donated another $5,000. Halberstadt said that contractors donated their services generously to help with the building of the new center. The total cost is estimated to be about $55,000.

The resource center will be featured in the museum's annual garden party on Sept. 26 from 2 to 4 p.m. at 20450 Saratoga­Los Gatos Road. An open house is being held that day so that members and prospective members can check out the museum and the resource center. The event will also celebrate the 100th anniversary of the museum building. For more information, call 408.867.4311.