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$4 Million Library Slated for San Francisco

The facility is located on the first floor of a mixed-use building.

Meaghan O'Neill -- Interior Design, 6/15/2006 12:00:00 AM

The Mission Bay Branch Library will become the first new branch location of the San Francisco Public Library in 40 years—and the 27th branch overall—when it opens its doors on July 8. The library, which occupies the ground floor of a multi-use facility that also includes an adult day-health center, affordable senior housing, retail space, and a large community meeting room, is the first public community gathering place in the up-and-coming Mission Bay neighborhood.

Designed by San Francisco-based Santos Prescott and Associates, the library takes cues from both traditional and contemporary trends. A large, circular circulation-information desk is centered in the entry area, while a nearby double-height reading area provides a sense of grandeur. Seating areas, in contrast, are kept light, airy, and casual.

To help fund the new branch, neighborhood residents, small business owners, and community leaders developed a special campaign committee. Coined Friends of the San Francisco Public Library, the committee helped raised $500,000 in private funds to cover the costs of furniture, fixtures, and equipment. The remaining $3.5 million was covered by a municipal bond.