After a year of renovations, the Park Branch Library at 1833 Page Street celebrated its Grand Reopening today. Many dignitaries were on hand to mark the event, including City Librarian Luis Herrera, Supervisors Ross Mirkarimi & Scott Wiener, State Senators Mark Leno & Leland Yee, State Assemblywoman & Speaker pro Tem Fiona Ma, Department of Puplic Works Director Edward D. Reiskin, SF Public Library Commision President Jewelle Gomez, and Friends of the SF Public Library Executive Director Donna Bero.
The Jugtown Pirates, the Monkey Butts, and performers from nearby Circus Center & Acrosports were on hand to provide entertainment.
The Jugtown Pirates greet the attendees.
The $2.9 million renovation was completed using funds from a $105.9 million bond measure passed by voters in November 2000, as well as $500,000 in private funds raised by the Friends of the San Francisco Public Library. It’s the 16th completed renovation out of 24 total projects.
The branch, originally opened in 1909 at a cost of $34,000, has been upgraded to meet silver LEED certification standards, including energy-efficient lighting, improved electrical and ventilation systems, sustainable linoleum flooring, and an energy-efficient heating system. It’s also been made fully ADA accessible with the addition of two restrooms downstairs and a power assist lower level entrance.
Park Branch Library in 1916
I ran into Peter Warfield of the Library Users Association, who said his group was instrumental in making sure the library preserved many of the historical aspects of the building. Although he’s happy to see the branch open again, he wishes they had done even more to preserve the original character of the library, such as restore the original wood floors and skylights, and keep the original wood surfaces of the 100-year old tables intact (the wood was replaced with linoleum).
The interior of the Park Branch Library as it appeared in 1916.
If you’d like to check out the newly re-minted branch, the hours are:
Monday: 10 AM – 6 PM, Tuesday: 10 AM – 9 PM, Wednesday: 1 PM – 9 PM, Thursday: 10 AM – 6 PM, Friday: 1 PM – 6 PM, Saturday: 10 AM – 6 PM, Sunday: Closed
Mayor Ed Lee arrives.
City Librarian Luis Herrera welcomes the crowd.
City Librarian Luis Herrera, flanked by Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi & Mayor Ed Lee.
Mayor Lee talks about the importance of our libraries.
Mayor Lee announces Park Branch Library Day and presents proclamation to City Librarian Luis Herrera & Branch Manager Cathy Delneo.
State Senator Mark Leno presents proclamation to Branch Manager Cathy Delneo.
Assemblywoman Fiona Ma & State Senator Leland Yee present proclamation to Branch Manager Cathy Delneo & City Librarian Luis Herrera.
A hoarse Ross Mirkarimi addresses the crowd.
Supervisor Scott Wiener
San Francisco Public Library Commission President Jewelle Gomez
Official ribbon cutting. From left to right: Branch Manager Cathy Delneo, Department of Public Works Director Edward D. Reiskin, San Francisco Public Library Commission President Jewelle Gomez, Assemblywoman Fiona Ma, Supervisor Scott Wiener, Friends of the San Francisco Public Library Executive Director Donna Bero, City Librarian Luis Herrera, State Senator Mark Leno, Mayor Ed Lee, Supervisor Ross Mirkarimi.
Musicians from the Jing Mo Athletic Association play the crowd into the Library.
Lion Dancers from the Jing Mo Athletic Association lead the procession into the library.
Lion Dancers from the Jing Mo Athletic Association lead the procession into the library.
The crown funnels in to get a look at the renovated library.
The skylights, plastered over in a 1990s renovation, have been re-painted with a sky mural & birds.
New teen area.
Patrons wait in line to use the new self-checkout machines.
Internet workstations.
The new table lamps feature power outlets for your laptop.
A patron checks out the offerings in the DVD section.
Staircase to lower staff/meeting areas.
The Jugtown Pirates perform in the downstairs meeting space.
Circus Center Performers
Circus Center Performers
Looks like a great celebration and wonderful space. Especially appreciate the photos of the old library. A lot of great pictures.
Also saw on another post that Capt. Kirk is keeping watch, which is always reassuring.