Construction of new main library nears completion with June opening anticipated

HAYWARD, Calif., March 25, 2019—After a brief work stoppage, construction is back on track and nearing completion on the Hayward new main library with the building anticipated to open to the public for regular operations before summer.

Once finished, the new 21st Century Library and Community Learning Center will be one of the largest net-zero energy public buildings in the country, and offer users of all ages an expansive collection of reading, audio and visual materials, dozens of new computers, a new digital media lab and a new makerspace featuring 3D printers and robotics, and a homework support center for students.

The three-story, 58,000-square foot building, designed by Noll + Tam Architects of Berkeley, is setting a new standard in environmental sustainability.  In addition to being 100-percent energy self-sufficient and carbon-free, it will conserve drinking water by capturing, filtering and storing rainwater for non-potable uses such as flushing toilets and irrigation.

Its interior of clean, contemporary lines and open floor plans is adorned with creations of local and Bay Area artists, and contains multiple community meeting rooms and a café, promising to become a new cultural, educational and civic hub in the heart of downtown.

“This is an extraordinary building that also is extraordinarily complicated from a service, systems and materials standpoint,” said Hayward Library Director Jayanti Addleman, who joined the City in January, three months after the library’s prior planned opening.

“We’re all eager to get in there and open the doors to the community once and for all,” Addleman said. “We can see the light at the end of the tunnel now.”

The announcement of a new timeline follows the resumption of construction activity by the project general contractor, T.B. Penick & Sons, Inc., which suspended work on Friday, March 15, amid a pay dispute with some of its sub-contractors.

Left still to be done are final wiring connections and fire and life-safety inspections—estimated to take approximately five weeks.

Once complete and approved, a temporary occupancy permit will be issued and doors opened to library staff and other city personnel to move in, plug in, and to test and learn the new equipment and systems.

In the meantime, the Weekes branch, 27300 Patrick Ave., is open for service, and traditional and newer library services are being provided in the downtown area:

• Weekly children’s programs at the Veteran’s Memorial Hall at 22737 Main Street. The Rhythm and Rhyme program starts at 10 a.m. every Thursday morning, followed by a Bilingual Storytime in English and Spanish from 11 a.m.
• A weekly Conversational Circle meets every Friday, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in Room 2A at City Hall and provides the opportunity for local residents to practice English speaking skills. This is a drop-in program. All are welcome.
• The downtown Teen Advisory Group is meeting once again at City Hall. The next meeting is scheduled for 6 p.m. to 6:45 p.m. March 27 and is open to teens in grades 7 through 12.
• Starting Saturday, March 30, there will be a pop-up library regularly at the downtown Farmers Market until the new library opens.  Members of the public can get library cards, check-out books, and find out about library services.  Story-times will be offered depending on the weather.
• Special programs also are being offered at various locations.  For example, the library will be hosting a new crafters’ group called “Sticks and Yarn.”  The inaugural meeting will be a yarn swap held at City Hall from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, March 30. 

Information about these and other programs is available at http://hayward.evanced.info/signup/Calendar.