November 19, 2005

New Evergreen Branch Library on schedule for summer 2006 opening

By Bea Baechle
Editor

Drive down Aborn Road and you’re likely to witness continuous progress on the new Evergreen Branch Library, scheduled to reopen this summer.

The public artwork that will adorn the eastern outside of the new Evergreen Branch Library is well underway. Pictured with the art are Pietro and Rober at Kirkland Studios, Italy.

The front of the new Evergreen Branch Library. The new parking lot, which was just paved, will hold 87 parking spaces and provide direct access for cars traveling eastbound on Aborn.

With a roof in place to help withstand the winter rains and lessen the chance of impeding progress, it looks like the library’s construction is moving forward as planned.

“We’re targeting an end of June completion,” said Pro-ject Manager George Nejat of Hagensen Pacific Construc-tion, Inc.

The most notable development re-cently is blacktop paving in the new parking lot, which will have 87 spaces instead of the 54 spaces designated for the former branch. Perhaps the best part of the parking lot upon completion of the library will be access directly into it when driving eastbound on Aborn.

Featured in the new and expanded library will be a donor wall in the main lobby recognizing Founding Donors—individuals, businesses and groups that donate $1,000 or more to the Evergreen Library. Elsewhere, a community plaque will list donors of $100 or more.

According to library representatives, Evergreen Times readers have graciously responded to the call for funds for fixtures, furnishings and equipment for the new branch. One couple responded to an article with a $1,000 gift and another Times reader pledged $10,000.

To learn more about the “Branch-ing Out: From Dream to Reality,” campaign, visit the Web site: www.sanjoselibraryfoundation.org.

In about eight months, the inside of the new Evergreen Branch Library will boast a new community room, a new storytelling room and a new group study room, as well as a large, cozy fireplace.