Berkeley Public Library North Branch to reopen soon after upgrades
The Berkeley Public Library North Branch in Berkeley, California, US is set to reopen on 7 April 2012 after a $5.9 million renovation and expansion.
The project will create a new addition spanning 4,000 feet at the back portion of the library. The addition will house a large room for teenagers, a new book sorting room, a pair of staff rooms, an elevator, a 96-capacity community meeting space, and four restrooms built to ADA specifications. The look in the area will be complemented by installation of two copper and silver art installations by Marion Coleman. The addition will also be equipped with skylights which will automically close on detecting rainfall.
The building will be fitted with new leather chairs, a new heating and ventilating system, video conferencing capabilities following the overhaul and will offer WiFi access. There will be creation of additional bike parking spaces and outdoor seating facilities.
The computer room will undergo an expansion as part of the project. Work will also involve repositioning of the library's main circulation desk. In addition, the refurbished building will be made wheelchair-accessible.
The project has been financed through bond money and a donation from the Berkeley Public Library Foundation.
