Hayward's 21st Century Library and Heritage Plaza

This is the official website for Hayward's 21st Century Library and Heritage Plaza construction project.

[haywardlibrary]

Hayward’s new downtown library to open for regular operations Sept. 14

HAYWARD, Calif., Aug. 14, 2019--Hayward’s new 21st Century Library and Community Learning Center will open its doors for regular operations and a community open house at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 14.

Construction of the new library at 888 C Street and new Heritage Plaza on the site of the old main library is being financed through the Measure C half-cent sales tax passed by Hayward voters in June 2014.

"We are very excited to finally be able to invite our local residents into this amazing building and start offering our services in a downtown location once again,” said Hayward Library Director Jayanti Addleman. “It feels like homecoming, and we can’t wait to welcome the community back."

Together, the new library and plaza are setting a new standard for environmentally sustainable design in public projects. The building will be a net-zero-energy facility, meaning it will be 100-percent energy self-sufficient. And it will be powered by 100 percent carbon-free sources of electricity.

To conserve drinking water, the new library and surrounding facilities will capture and store rainwater in a cistern beneath the location of the old main library for future non-potable uses, such as flushing toilets and irrigation.

Once fully operational, the new three-story, 58,000 square-foot library 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 library opening Sept. 14 will be celebrated with activities and programs for all ages, including fun crafts and activities throughout the day, story times in English, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese, library tours conducted in English, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese, music, free gifts from the Friends of the Library and much more. The Weekes branch will be closed on Sept. 14 and will resume regular service on Monday, Sept. 16, at 11 a.m.

Until the opening day, library services continue to be available in the downtown area through: pop-up libraries at the Saturday farmers market and summer 3rd Thursday Street Parties; Children’s programs at the Hayward Veteran’s Memorial Building on Thursdays from 10 a.m.; English Conversation Circles on Fridays from 3:30 p.m. at Hayward City Hall and the Hayward Public Library’s virtual branch online at www.hayward-ca.gov/public-library.

For more information on special programs, please visit http://hayward.evanced.info/signup/Calendar.

[haywardlibrary]

Hayward Public Library Card Design Contest! All entries due by 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, May 12. Questions? Call the Weekes Branch at 510-293-5366.

[haywardlibrary]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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, at 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 10:00 a.m. every Thursday morning, followed by a Bilingual Story-time in English and Spanish from 11:00 a.m.

        A weekly English Conversation Circle meets every Friday, 3:30 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 6:00 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 yarn crafters’ group called “Sticks and String.” The inaugural meeting will be a yarn swap held at      City Hall from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Saturday, March 30. 

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

[haywardlibrary]

Crafting at the Library Special Pre-Valentine's Day Edition: Frankenstuffies!

Wednesday, February 13, 5:30-7:30 p.m.

Special location: Hayward City Hall, Conference Room 1C, 777 B Street, Hayward

Warning: some stuffed toys will be harmed during this workshop!

Let out your inner mad scientist and get outrageously creative—or just breathe some new life into an old friend. Frankenstuffies are hybrid creations sewn together from bits and pieces of two or more bound-for-the-landfill stuffed creatures. They can be cute or creepy, artistic or awful, or all of the above. And they make terrific one-of-a-kind Valentine’s Day gifts!

At this workshop you’ll take stuffies apart and piece them together again to create new creatures using basic sewing skills and maybe a little hot glue. We’ll provide all the supplies and, er, ‘subjects’ you’ll need—but feel free to bring along any stuffies you’d like to use and/or share.

Crafting at the Library workshops are designed for ages 12 and up, but for this special edition kids aged 10 & 11 are also welcome with an adult. So bring them if you’ve got them—and plan to stick around to supervise their use of sharp and/or very hot tools.

Admission is free, but space is limited and registration is required.

To register or for more information, contact Michelle Nogales at [email protected].

[haywardlibrary]

The East Bay Times has published an article with a few more details about the new Main Library construction delays: https://www.eastbaytimes.com/2019/01/22/opening-of-haywards-new-main-library-on-hold/

[haywardlibrary]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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.

[haywardlibrary]

I would like to get someone a library card as a gift how would I go about doing that?

Hello,

That’s a wonderful idea! Unfortunately, you’ll have to findsome kind of work-around. When someone opens a library account, they have to bephysically present to show proof that they live in the state of California andto sign their card, showing that they agree to be held responsible for all itemschecked out through that account.

What you might consider doing is filling out the online form for them, tothe best of your ability, so they can at least skip that step. Then you cantake them to the Weekes Branch at 27300 Patrick Avenue anytime they’re open(M-W 11-8, Th-Sat 10-6) and let the Accounts Desk know that you’ve alreadyfilled out the form online, and have the recipient show their ID and some kindof proof that they live in California (a piece of mail addressed to them willdo).

It could be fun to use an image like this one to make a giftcard:

I hope this helps. Happy holidays!

[haywardlibrary]

Our downtown book drop boxes have moved!

The curbside book drop boxes that used to be alongside the old Main Library on Watkins Street are now alongside the City parking garage on Watkins Street--that’s between B and C Streets. We’ll check them every day except Sundays and holidays.

Remember, you don’t have to return most books or other items until February--but if you want to, and you can’t make it to the Weekes Branch (which is still open for business as usual), you now have the option to use the curbside boxes downtown again.

Thanks for bearing with us! For the latest news on the new Main Library, visit the library’s website at https://www.hayward-ca.gov/public-library .

[haywardlibrary]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Grand opening celebration and dedication ceremony to cheer near completion of Hayward’s new main public library Sneak-peek tours, building dedication honoring the life of César Chávez to be highlights of free daylong event HAYWARD, Calif., Oct. 23, 2018—The City of Hayward will open the doors of its nearly completed 21st Century Library and Community Learning Center on Saturday as part of a grand opening celebration and dedication ceremony that will pay tribute to the life of César Chávez. This historic and free community event will provide opportunities to learn about the new library’s many features and facilities as well as the grassroots community effort that led to its construction. In addition to the dedication ceremony, there will be guided tours of accessible portions of the building, food and refreshments, entertainment and other fun activities for people of all ages throughout the day. Fittingly, the festivities—from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27—will take place on the downtown block of C Street between the old main branch of the Hayward public library and its gleaming replacement, the 21st Century Library and Community Learning Center, at 888 C Street. The new library is a three-story, 58,000-square-foot building that will house 50 percent more books and other materials, 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 is setting 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 next month 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. For more information on the grand opening celebration and dedication ceremony, visit the Calendar of Events on the City of Hayward website.

[haywardlibrary]

Update: What we’re doing to get the new Main Library ready for you

 The last day of business for the old Main Library was September 1, and we’ll celebrate the near-completion of the new one on October 27. You may be wondering what we’re doing during this time. For starters, we’re:

 ·         Installing signage, fire alarms, ceiling tiles, flooring, shelving, cubicles, and furniture

·         Covering all that aquamarine stuff on the outside of the building with black cladding

·         Installing an elevator in the parking garage

·         Painting, painting, painting

·         Installing artwork

·         Getting the elevators certified

·         Installing bike racks and pavers

·         Cleaning up an unbelievable amount of dust

 …and there’s more; that’s just a partial list. Oh, did you mean what’s the library staff doing during the closure? Just a few things:

 ·         Running the Weekes Branch (come visit us!)

·         Preparing the collection for the move

·         Overseeing the moving of the collection

·         Shelving the collection, including new Opening Day Collection items

·         Installing technology (staff & public computers, maker space, etc.)

·         Learning how to use new technology and cross-training staff on existing tech

·         Planning future library programs for children, teens, and adults

·         Updating the library website, policies, and procedures

·         Dry runs and emergency drills

·         Planning the biggest party ever!

 What can you do while we’re closed?

 ·         Visit the Weekes Branch Library at 27300 Patrick Avenue in south Hayward

·         Download ebooks and audiobooks

·         Use Discover & Go to visit Bay Area museums and cultural venues for free or at a discount

·         Do research using our online databases

·         Use the book drop boxes on Watkins Street to return books (but don’t worry, no books are due and no fines are being accrued during the closure; returning books while we’re closed is optional)

[haywardlibrary]

Library construction updates 📚😀 Here’s the latest:

📖 The quality of the builder’s work so far is very good, with no quality concerns or inspection issues of note. Some of the finishing materials have begun to be installed and they look amazing!

📖 Outside of the building, the curb and sidewalk work is underway

📖 Excavation for a new garage elevator and stairway has begun

📖 New planters are being built around the building exterior

📖 Window installation and terra-cotta work is nearly complete

📖 The exposed green and yellow weatherproofing layers will be clad with a black metal finish

📖 The building is connected to the power grid and the solar panels are in place

📖 The new library will be 100% solar powered (Net Zero Energy)💡

📖 Inside, the ductwork, plumbing and electrical systems are in place; the remaining work is mostly fixtures and finishing

📖 Floors, walls, ceilings and other finish work should go quickly once the building is cleared and cleaned

📖 The construction is nearly 90% complete! The new library is on track to open this summer

📖 The grand opening date will be announced in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for a big announcement soon!

[haywardlibrary]

21st Century Library Transition and Operating Plan

Library staff, with substantial advice and guidance from the Library Commission, has been busily preparing a detailed Transition and Operating Plan for the move to Hayward's 21st Century Library. The draft plan is continuously updated to provide a running snapshot of plan progress. The complete plan is scheduled to be presented to City Council on July 10, 2018. (Date subject to change - check the City website for current City Council agendas.)

[haywardlibrary]

Tools of the trade. 📚😀 Cleaning out the old library's closets in preparation for the big move this summer, and we found some interesting library artifacts from back in the day. This is an old-time "library fine calculator," complete with a kickstand and slide-out drawer for storing the date tiles. How it works: The librarian updated the calculator each day by taking the tile with the current date out of the sliding drawer, then inserting it at the bottom of the column of tiles on the right. This would push all the other tiles up to align with the typewritten chart of overdue fines. The oldest tile popped out from the top of the column, and was replaced in the drawer for safekeeping. Hayward's 21st Century Library and Heritage Plaza will bring past, present, and future together like never before. 🌲🍂📚 This artifact, along with dozens of others we’ve unearthed will be displayed in the new library’s Hayward Heritage Center on the top floor.

[haywardlibrary]

Special delivery. ✉️ 📚🚙 Workers are leaving a special gift on the doorstep of the downtown Hayward post office — new curbs, sidewalks and diagonal parking spaces. The street work is part of the 21st Century Library and Heritage Plaza project. 📖 In addition to the new diagonal parking spaces (including ADA spaces) in front of the post office, new pedestrian “bulb-outs” will be added at all four corners of the block, and a new pedestrian crossing added at mid-block will better connect the new library to Heritage Plaza across the street for pedestrians. C Street will still have two lanes for vehicle traffic and street parking on both sides as it had before. But the street will be slightly narrower, bringing the new library and post office closer to Hayward's Heritage Plaza. 📖 The entire block of C Street between Watkins St and Mission Blvd will receive a significant renovation to coincide with the restoration of Heritage Plaza. Work on the Plaza will begin this summer, after the Grand Opening of Hayward’s 21st Century Library 😀📚

[haywardlibrary]

See Hayward from a new perspective. Photos taken on March 10, 2018

Photo 1 (top left): View of City Hall and the new solar panels on the municipal garage, as seen from the 3rd floor of Hayward's 21st Century Library. The new library will be 100% solar powered -- also known as Net Zero Energy. These beautiful new solar panels -- half a megawatt -- shed light on a new way of building for the future.

Photo 2 (top right): View of Hayward's 21st Century Library under construction, as seen from the historic, soon-to-be renovated Heritage Plaza. Seen in the foreground is a magnificent century-old magnolia tree. In the background, a construction worker is seen taking in the view from inside the new library's spectacular second-floor community event room. The new library and plaza will be Hayward's signature downtown destination and community gathering place for generations to come.

Photo 3: Street-level view of the stunning three-stories-tall picture windows at Hayward's 21st Century Library. The windows feature striking "fins" that add dimension and essential light filtration to the aperture. These beautiful windows provide the backdrop for library reading lounges with spectacular views of the lush, tree-filled Heritage Plaza across the street.

Photo 4: View of Hayward's historic thoroughfare, Mission Boulevard at B Street, looking out from a 3rd floor corner window of the new library. A new perspective on downtown Hayward, where classic brick buildings mingle with solar-powered modern structures like the 21st Century Library.

[haywardlibrary]

Overcast days are the best for reading. 📚😀 Here's a close-up of the big picture windows in the 21st Century Library community meeting room. The UV-filtered, double-paned windows feature beautiful custom lettering baked into the glass using a ceramic application known as “frit.” The application is designed to provide a shade screen on the glass, useful for deflecting the sun’s heat and reducing the building’s energy consumption. But in addition to function, these windows have style! They are covered with elegant lettering on a literary theme, with a special message between the lines. Complete information and updates about Hayward’s 21st Century Library, including the building’s advanced “green” features can be found at www.HaywardLibrary.org/tagged/green

[haywardlibrary]

Today the workers are installing huge glass panels for the floor-to-ceiling windows of the 21st Century Library community meeting room. The UV-filtered, double-paned windows feature beautiful custom lettering baked into the glass using a ceramic application known as “frit.” The application is designed to provide a shade screen on the glass, useful for deflecting the sun’s heat and reducing the building’s energy consumption. But in addition to function, these windows have style. The lettering has a literary theme, and includes a special message between the lines. Complete information and updates about Hayward’s 21st Century Library, including the building’s advanced “green” features can be found at www.HaywardLibrary.org