Whether on the roof, outside or indoors, facility improvements are happening all over the Los Altos main library.
While the library awaits construction this summer of a new courtyard on its north side, a public feedback process is underway for a redesign of the interior.
The city of Los Altos has hired Anderson Brule Architects (ABA) of San Jose to conduct a “community engagement and design process,” according to Anthony Carnesecca, assistant to the city manager.
As part of this process, ABA conducted initial feedback workshops in March in order to gain an understanding of project background, goals and timeline; and priorities for the redesign.
Based on feedback from library staff and residents, along with the previous assessments, the architect is currently offering two conceptual design options. Once consultants have conducted this round of design feedback, the architect will finalize two design concepts that will move forward for review.
The Los Altos-Los Altos Hills Library Commission reviewed options at its May 22 meeting, followed by a May 24 open house event. A second open house is set for 3-5 p.m. today (May 28) in the library, 13 S. San Antonio Road.
ABA consultants said feedback has been good among staff and the Friends of the Library of Los Altos, but the senior population has been “overrepresented.” Consultants added that some young families with children have also participated.
Among the early findings:
• Staff is more wary of change and have a more traditional opinion of how a library should function. The public is looking for modernization.
• Opinions are mixed about the value of after-hours access with confusion between the “limited” and “full” options.
• Comments indicated a reconfiguration and enlargement of the lobby could “provide substantial benefit.”
• Update wiring, power supplies.
• Create quiet meeting rooms and “spaces to gather.”
• Family restrooms are “highly desired.”
• Both design options offer glass dividing walls and meeting rooms.
The goal is to narrow to one proposed conceptual design by July and have the Los Altos City Council review that design by September.
The Santa Clara County Library District, which manages the Los Altos main and Woodland libraries, is partnering with the city on the project.
Meanwhile, crews are putting a new roof on the 28,000-square-foot building, with completion targeted for the end of the month.
“The previous roof needed to be replaced due to its age and condition,” said community librarian Rose Baiza. “We worked with the city to ensure that the new roof tiles match the civic center buildings. We also worked closely with the city and the contractors to ensure that the staging areas for the work and equipment did not negatively affect the surrounding civic center spaces.”
The library’s outdoor courtyard project, at 8,265 square feet, will accommodate another 100 guests for special events, in addition to the indoor Orchard Room.
The $2 million project is privately funded. It ran into some controversy, with opponents questioning the public approval process, its modern look contrasting with other older buildings in the civic center and the project’s encroachment into the city’s neighboring orchard lands. City officials said no orchard trees were removed for the project.
