Reso 2002-070 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Existing Library Facility Square Footage Existing Public Library: 1. The current gross square footage of the existing public library(s) being replaced is: > 2,100 SF If no existing public library facility, enter "0." Existing School Library: (Co-located Projects Only) 2. The current gross square footage of the existing school library(s) being replaced is: > 0 SF If no existing school library facility, enter "0." Library Facilities Master Plan Describe the relationship of the proposed project to other existing or planned library facilities for the jurisdiction. The San Leandro Public Library system includes a Main Library and three branch libraries (the Manor Branch, the Mulford-Marina Branch and the South Branch). In 2001, the City of San Leandro launched an extensive process to develop a Library Master Plan, which was completed earlier this year. The Master Plan identifies the long-range needs of San Leandro's citizens for library services and provides a blueprint for the replacement of each of the City's three branches and the construction of a fourth branch. This application for Proposition 14 funds will enable San Leandro to build a new facility on City-owned property adjacent to the existing Manor Community Branch Library, The existing buildings on the site, which are deteriorating and not designed for library services, will be demolished. The Manor Branch is located in the densely-populated Washington Manor neighborhood and is struggling to meet the needs of the growing community. The branch facility is actually a 2,100 square foot converted house (duplex) built in 1952. Serving over 28,000 residents, the Manor Branch has the largest service area in the City. As such, the new facility will be the largest branch library, nearly double the size of the planned future replacements for the Marina-Mulford and South Branches. Programming is similar across the Main Library and its branches, although branch programs vary according to the characteristics of the community served. The Main Library functions as the educational and cultural hub of the City's approximately 80,000 residents, providing a full range of reference and research services, access to a wide range of books and non-print materials, and major city-wide programming and special events. Branches are designed to act as "neighborhood civic places" for residents to meet, interact and learn about community services. Each branch provides the neighborhood it serves with specific materials and resources that respond to the needs of the residents. Library services are coordinated throughout the system using a management team approach that ensures regular meetings and collaboration between Main Library and branch staff. While staff are trained to work at any library branch, each branch has its own permanent staff that ensures quality services, commitment to the neighborhood, and a strong presence in the community. Local businesses, homeowner associations, and schools are active community partners with the library system, participating in events and providing financial and in-kind support for programs and activities at each library. The Manor Community Branch Library is the most geographically isolated and furthest away from the Main Library. Many branch patrons do not use the Main Library due to these factors, With over 18,000 volumes, the Manor Community Branch Library houses the largest branch collection. Because the Manor Branch serves six public schools and three private schools -more schools than any other City library -the branch is designed to offer books and materials for children and young adults, including school curriculum materials. For the diverse adult population, the Manor Branch provides a wide range of popular reading, self-help, and foreign language collections. The Manor Branch replacement project is the most urgent project in the Library Master Plan -and the most ambitious. This priority was determined by the dramatic population growth in the service area over the past two decades, a 29% increase. Also, the needs of the area's increasingly diverse residents are changing rapidly. The new facility will increase the size of the branch by four times and increase overall library space in the City by 9%. Because construction of the Manor Branch will occur on adjacent land, existing library services will not be disrupted. The San Leandro Public Library is seeking Proposition 14 funds to address the critical needs of the City's largest branch library, Anew, larger Manor Branch will enable the library to provide high-quality services and state-of-the-art technology to over one-third of San Leandro's residents and will strengthen local partnerships with schools and the community. 7