The community met on Aug.18 to discuss the branch's remodeling plans, which include a complete makeover from the inside out of the cozy wooden and brick building. The renovation will also include the addition of public art.

"I know how much you love this library, this building and this staff," San Jose District 6 Councilman Ken Yeager told a crowd. "We hear that loud and clear."

Other libraries in the city have already begun renovation and expansions, he said. We need to utilize our space better and the current library doesn't do that, Yeager said.

The library is being reconstructed as a result of the Branch Library Bond Measure passed by voters in November 2000.

It provides $212 million over 10 years for the construction of six new and 14 expanded branch libraries in San Jose.

The aging 41-year-old facility is approximately 5,330 square feet. The city will expand it to 13,000 square feet. The city has put aside $6 million for the remodel, which is scheduled for completion by spring 2008. The renovation will also expand the parking lot from 27 to a maximum of 50 spaces. The building will remain one story.

The reconstruction of the library will pose challenges for the city.

The current library was built in 1949 as two buildings. It was consolidated into one in 1964, creating an odd shape on a 0.95-acre site

The priorities for the new library include more space for its collection, a community room and increased seating. The project will also create better access for vehicles and pedestrians.

The Willow Glen branch will be closed in mid-2006, and patrons will be directed to the Rose Garden or Cambrian branches.

At the meeting, Yeager and the San Jose director of branch library development Richard Desmond listened to input from users.

Patrons stated that retaining the fireplace and the "quaint feel" of the branch was a major component in the redesign process.

Library users want the building to retain its brick facade, the exterior landscaping and the building's resemblance to a home rather than a commercial building.

Desmond explained that this was the first of many meetings on the library and emphasized that community involvement will be an integral part of the design process.

Desmond also addressed the issue of public art and said, "Two percent of construction costs go to this aspect of the rebuild."

Jennifer Easton, who is San Jose public art senior project manager, said, "This is our 13th library with public art."

The city wants community input in choosing the artist. To facilitate the process, a sign-up sheet was passed around at the meeting to establish a selection committee.

The committee will consider artists in the city's pool and either narrow down the choices or select one and present its choice to the community at the next meeting, tentatively scheduled for October.

Willow Glen resident Ann Helmbot-May hopes the construction team listens to the community's input and concerns.

"A great selection of books and media in a place that's pleasant to come to and one that reflects Willow Glen's tremendous sense of community," she said.

She acknowledges, however, that the community has to be consistent.

"The meeting was a good foundation to go forward with," she said.

Another concern brought up at the meeting was the future of the children's permanent tile mural that was installed outside the library in 2000.

The tile mural on the library's patio was painted by children and coordinated by artist Nina Koepcke. It was a memorial to the late Helen Owen, the first business manager of the Willow Glen Business and Professional Association.

Owen was responsible for some of Willow Glen's traditions, including Founder's Day and the holiday tree lighting.

Desmond said the city would work with the library to preserve the mural. His team has contemplated moving the mural inside, but nothing ha been finalized.