December 17, 2004

Evergreen Branch Library closes Dec. 22

Return book drop at Evergreen Community Center

The date Dec. 22 marks a milestone for the Evergreen community as the much loved and popular facility closes its doors for the last time to make way for an enlarged 21, 500 square foot facility.

The new structure is funded by the library bond measure approved by voters in November 2000. That bond measure provides $212 million over 10 years dedicated to the construction of six new and 14 expanded branch libraries.

Evergreen Branch Library opened in 1976, surrounded by open fields and new developments just getting underway. Today the library serves a burgeoning population in cramped space it has long since outgrown.

“For those of us who have visited the Evergreen branch over many years, the closing of our branch is certainly a bittersweet moment,” says Rod Cryer, president of the Friends of Evergreen Library. “We are, however, buoyed by the idea that a new, bigger and brighter branch will soon arise in place of the old familiar building.”

Groundbreaking for the new Evergreen Branch Library will take place Jan. 15 at 11 am. The new library, to be constructed on the original site (2635 Aborn Rd.), will have the look and feel of an upscale bookstore.

Highlights of the new branch include an Internet Café, a community living room with a fireplace, a technology lab, group and quiet study areas and a community room that will accommodate 85 people, as well as significantly more space for seating, collections and computers. The new Evergreen Branch Library is expected to open in mid-2006.

While the new library is under construction, a return book drop will be set up for convenience at Evergreen Community Center located at 4860 San Felipe Rd., near Yerba Buena Road.

Those who would like to expedite check-in of their materials may return them at one of the neighboring branch libraries; Hillview, Santa Teresa or Seventrees. Visit www.SJLibrary.org to obtain information about hours and locations.

Evergreen patrons are welcome at any San Jose Public Library, but it is expected that many will follow Evergreen staff to the new Tully Community Branch when it opens on Jan. 22 at 880 Tully Rd. This new branch is the seventeenth San Jose Library location.

To stay in touch with the latest news and developments concerning library branch bond projects, visit: www.NewSanJoseLibraries.com.