In the news: Library expansion project

"Plans to expand library move ahead"

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By Lindsey Baguio, Contributing Writer

Capistrano Valley News, Thursday, Oct. 4, 2007

Plans to improve and expand the San Juan Capistrano Library moved forward Tuesday, after the City Council reviewed the space needs assessment and schematic design plans presented by Costa Mesa-based architectural firm Carrier Johnson.

Carrier Johnson said Michael Graves, the original architect, has offered "pro bono" design work to support fundraising efforts because he said the library project was a highlight of his career and one of his favorites.

The new plan emphasizes more shelf space for library materials in a facility that is 60-percent shelving deficient and will bring down that percentage by 45-percent, said Economic Development Manager Douglas Dumhart.

Changes to the interior floor plan designed by Carrier Johnson include: expansion out of the west façade of the building, moving the Friends of the Library bookstore next to the main entrance, the addition of more computer stations wherever possible, expanding the current main staff workroom, a new exterior service entrance with direct access to the workroom, relocating the circulation desk in the public lobby, as well as making the library ADA compliant.

The Bland Garden, which the study found under-utilized, will be fully enclosed as air conditioned library space. The plans call for the re-location of the public restrooms from the proposed site of the Friends Bookstore to where the garden currently is. The garden will move to the southwest corner of the existing building.

Phase two of the project involves the architectural and engineering work to prepare plans for the design review process as well as construction documents and specifications for bids which could take up to 12 to 14 months, said Dumhart.

While the city approved $384,000 for phase two of the project, the study estimates the expansion and remodeling of the library will cost about $2.8 million dollars which the city is counting on the Friends of the Library to raise. If the nonprofit organization cannot raise the sufficient funds, some members of the City Council suggested creating a bond measure on the November 2008 ballot.

During the public hearing, Friends of the Library board member Patricia Garvey announced the group is in the process of selecting a fundraiser candidate who will assist in gauging the community's support.

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http://www.ocregister.com/news/library-city-friends-1876667-study-council