The Palo Alto City Council awarded a construction contract to BRCO Contractors on Monday, March 6, 2006 for the renovation and expansion of the 65 year-old Palo Alto Children's Library. The Friends of the Palo Alto Library and the Palo Alto Library Foundation collaborated in a major fundraising drive to match City of Palo Alto funding for the $2.6 million project.
Construction is now complete, and the Children's Library re-opened on Sept. 29, 2007. (Project Photo Gallery) The respected architectural firm of ARG, Inc, noted for their expertise in renovating treasured historic structures designed the renovation. ARG was the recipient of the American Institute of Architects California Council Firm Award for 2006. They have worked on the restoration of such historic buildings as Old St. Mary's Church in San Francisco and the first brick house in Monterey.
The Children's Library now features:
an additional 2600 sq. ft. to relieve overcrowding and improve interior organization
architecture that complements the historic library and integrates into the Lucie Stern complex
upgrades for safety, comfort, and accessibility
The Children's Library first opened in 1940 thanks to a gift from Mrs. Lucie Stern. Usage since its first full year of operation has grown from 37,769 books checked out to over a quarter of a million items last year.
