The Sunnyvale Sun

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City council opens book on possible new library in Sunnyvale

By Stephen Baxter

A new Sunnyvale main library pegged at more than $108 million drew continued support from the city council on April 23, but leaders brushed aside immediate plans for a branch library.

The city will explore costs and other considerations of a new main library more than double the size of the current building at 665 W. Olive Ave. This spring, residents also will be surveyed on their support for a new library. Much of the money likely would stem from a voter-approved bond.

San Jose-based Anderson Brulé Architects drafted plans for a new main library and a joint-use branch library at Columbia Middle School. The council decided a branch would not be cost-effective and would clash with the school's schedule and rules, but it directed city staff to study a branch after a new main library is built.

Preliminary plans for a new library would base its size on the city's population, and it would probably be 133,000 to 143,000 square feet on two floors. Council members said they want environmentally friendly design elements, and architects indicated that would raise the price.

The proposal includes razing a city office building and ripping up the popular, year-old Sunnyvale Community Garden. At least 25 garden supporters came to the council meeting April 24--many wearing the group's T-shirts--to lobby to keep the garden.

Pat Plant, a 25-year Sunnyvale resident, spoke in favor of the plot.

"A lot of time, energy and money went in to building that garden," she said. Plant added that the library and the 87-bed garden are both quiet places where residents go to think, and many patronize both in one trip. Some gardeners also use the library restrooms, and library patrons wander into the garden.

Pamela Anderson-Brulé, president of Anderson Brulé Architects, said it would be a challenge to wrap the garden into the library and provide adequate light for the garden, but that it was possible. In a separate 6-0 vote, the council said the city would "attempt to creatively incorporate the community garden concept in this design." Councilman Ron Swegles was absent but submitted comments.

Vice Mayor Tony Spitaleri said the community garden's future was not guaranteed, and indicated the library's design will come first.

"I don't want the tail wagging the dog on this project. I think we can work to accommodate a community garden ... but I don't want us to handcuff ourselves," Spitaleri said.

Councilman John Howe, who joined the meeting by teleconference, said, "The garden is a wonderful asset, but it may have to be moved."

Sunnyvale Public Library was constructed in 1959 and expanded in 1969 and 1983. About 2,000 patrons visit it daily, but many are going to newer libraries in Cupertino and other cities, according to surveys.

In part because of its brick construction, the library also lacks wireless Internet access.

For more information on the Library of the Future project, visit www.LibraryoftheFuture.inSunnyvale.com.