The historic Noe Valley/Sally Brunn Branch Library will welcome back the community on March 8 as it opens its doors after a major renovation. Mayor Gavin Newsom, Supervisor Bevan Dufty, City Librarian Luis Herrera and other city officials and community members
will kick off a festive grand re-opening celebration at 1 p.m.
The renovated branch, located at 451 Jersey St. (near Castro), will feature accessible restrooms, a designated Teen Area, an improved Children’s Room, a revamped program room, a new elevator, new lighting fixtures, more computers, and new and restored furniture. In addition to receiving these improvements,
the branch also underwent a major seismic retrofiting.
Retaining the historic integrity of the 1916 landmark was a key goal—and biggest challenge—for San Francisco-based architectural firm Carey & Co. Inc. Both the architects and contractors took great care to protect the building’s historic features. Prior to construction, the marble staircase was covered and the
bookcases, wood trim, marble wainscot, plaster ceiling medallions, and many other architectural details were preserved. The building’s ornate windows were refinished and covered with plywood for protection. The historic details of the Carnegie-inspired building—woodwork and finishes—have been restored and improvements
are compatible with the original architecture.
“When you walk into the main reading room, you won’t really notice that many changes, other than the fact that everything will look cleaner and more vibrant,” said Nancy Goldenberg, the project’s lead architect. “The magnificent ceiling and all of the fixed shelving that gave the space its character are still there.”
Library staff is eagerly awaiting its move back to the branch and the opportunity to show off its fresh-faced home to the community.
“I think the public will be as pleased as I am to see the bright exterior as well as the convenience of the new elevator,” said Branch Manager Alice McCloud. “We will have hundreds of new books and materials to offer when we open and I expect that everyone will be impressed with the improvements inside and out.”
The branch’s renovation was a remarkable community effort. The Library held a number of community meetings to gain input from library patrons and
interested stakeholders. At these gatherings, participants voiced their opinions on design plans, landscaping, furniture and finishes. Friends of the San Francisco Public Library’s Noe Valley Branch Campaign Committee is raising $200,000
of the $500,000 that Friends will contribute to furnish and equip the branch—expenses not covered by the bond.
“Everyone in the neighborhood is thrilled that Noe is reopening,” said Kim Drew, chair of the Noe Valley Branch Campaign Committee. “The community missed the library and the staff and we’re looking forward to the re-opening.”
Library programs continued even while the branch was closed. Special thanks goes out to the individuals at the Bethany United Methodist Church for allowing the Library to hold Preschool Storytimes and Lapsits in their facility, and to St. Philips School for hosting the Bookmobile in front of the school.
See News Release for more information.
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