Opening of new main library at least a month or two away—pending final inspections and permitting

HAYWARD, Calif., Jan. 14, 2019—The City of Hayward announced today that the opening of its nearly complete new main library likely will not take place until February or March, depending on the building passing final electrical and fire and life-safety inspections and certifications.

The official public opening of the new 21st Century Library and Community Learning Center, originally planned for Oct. 27, 2018, was postponed due to unforeseen construction delays that continue to set back the scheduling of final inspections and issuance of an occupancy permit.

“We understand that everyone is anxious to see the doors finally open at what is going to be an extraordinary civic and cultural gem,” said City Manager Kelly McAdoo.  “At the same time, we need to make sure every detail is right and that we meet and surpass every facility and operational safety standard and inspection.”

McAdoo added that construction contracts between the City and the library general contractor protect the city financially against cost overruns due to performance shortcomings in workmanship, materials, and timely delivery of a completed project.

The new library is a three-story, 58,000-square-foot building that will house 50 percent more books and other materials than its predecessor, 53 additional computers available for public use, a Makerspace featuring 3D printers, robotics and textiles, a digital-media lab, multiple community meeting rooms, a café, and a Homework Support Center in the children’s library.

The building, designed by Noll & Tam Architects of Berkeley, also will set a new standard in environmentally sustainable design.  It will be a net-zero-energy facility, meaning it will be 100-percent energy self-sufficient.  It will be powered by 100 percent carbon free sources of electricity, and is expected to receive a LEED certified rating of Platinum from the U.S. Green Building.

To conserve drinking water, the new library and surrounding facilities will capture, store and filter rain water for future non-potable uses such as flushing toilets and irrigation.

The new library will open for business and regular operation following completion of final interior construction details, and fire and life-safety system testing, training, and certification.

Construction of the 21st Century Library and Community Learning Center and future Heritage Plaza on the site of the old main library is being funded through Hayward Measure C, the ½-cent local sales-tax approved by Hayward voters in June 2014.