The new West Hollywood Library is designed to serve all parts of the City’s community, even those too young to drive themselves there. Just beyond the welcoming entrance to the new state-of-the-art library, which will officially open on Saturday, October 1, 2011, is a section dedicated specifically to children and teens. It has been carefully designed to inspire young people to read, interact and enjoy themselves, with the ultimate goal of fostering a lifelong love of learning and reading.
The Children’s Area has books and furniture geared specifically to younger children. At the heart of this area is the Children’s Theatre, which is perfectly suited for storytelling, puppet shows, plays, watching movies, displays and fun activities where children and families can participate together. The enclosed theater is built around a sweeping staircase, which is modeled on the focal point of the Michaelangelo-designed Laurentian Library in Florence, Italy. It has a dark blue ceiling resembling the night sky, with star-like twinkling lights.
The library will also feature a special area for teens to have access to first-rate educational resources to develop the skills needed to succeed. It is adjacent to, but separate from, the Children’s Area, and has teen-specific literature. Designed as an area to read and study, it will feature comfortable lounging and encourage teens to interact, to hold study sessions and to relax after school.
After two years of construction and many years of planning, the City of West Hollywood is nearing completion of Phase I of the West Hollywood Park Master Plan, which includes the building of the highly-anticipated new West Hollywood Library. Phase I of the West Hollywood Park Master Plan is one of the major components of the City’s 25th Anniversary Capital Project, which also includes development of the West Hollywood City Hall Automated Garage and Community Plaza Project and implementation of the Plummer Park Master Plan.
Phase I of the West Hollywood Park Master Plan which includes the new West Hollywood Library, City Council Chambers and public meeting rooms, CATV facilities, 2.5 acres of expanded parkland and open space, new tennis courts, and 400 parking spaces in two municipal garages will be completed this fall. The City Council Chambers, which will accommodate more than 150 people, will also be used for special performances and presentations.
The new 32,000 square foot, LEED-certified West Hollywood Library will serve as the centerpiece of the West Hollywood community. It is designed to showcase the City’s rich intellectual, literary and cultural diversity and provide a landmark facility for the community’s passionate commitment to lifelong learning. The Community Dedication and the Grand Opening of the new West Hollywood Library will be held on Saturday, October 1, 2011 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 625 N. San Vicente Boulevard in West Hollywood.
The total cost to complete Phase I of the West Hollywood Park Master Plan is $64 million. The West Hollywood Library Fund, a non profit organization led by a volunteer board of community leaders, seeks to raise $10 million from individuals, corporations and foundations in support of the new West Hollywood Library and implementation of Phase I of the West Hollywood Park Master Plan. The campaign, LibraryPark, has raised nearly $7 million in donations to date.
The West Hollywood Park Master Plan including the new West Hollywood Library was designed by architects Steve Johnson and Jim Favaro. They are the principals of Johnson Favaro, an architectural and urban design firm located in Culver City. The construction manager is Heery International. Dan Adams, a Senior Associate at Heery, is the Project Director. Adams is also a resident of West Hollywood. The General Contractor is W.E. O’Neil Construction Company.
For more information, regarding Phase I of the West Hollywood Park Master Plan and the new West Hollywood Library, please contact Chris Worland, 25th Anniversary Capital Project Community Liaison, at (323) 848-6511. For more information regarding the 25th Anniversary Capital Project, please visit www.weho.org/capitalproject
