On May 10th, 2014, San Franciscans turned out in numbers for the opening of the new North Beach Library. Crowds gathered at 850 Columbus Avenue under bright, sunny skies eager to experience their new public space.
The sounds of Mal Sharpe and his jazz band mixed nicely with rumblings from Mason Street cable cars passing nearby. The community celebration and ribbon cutting included remarks from Mayor Ed Lee, Supervisor David Chiu and City Librarian Luis Herrera.
Soaring ceilings and a modern, fresh interior welcome patrons. Photo by Catherine Accardi
Soaring ceilings and a modern, fresh interior welcome patrons. Photo by Catherine Accardi
Designed by the firm Leddy Maytum Stacy Architects, the new library offers 8,500 square feet, within a two-story building, including a community room with after-hours access for neighborhood meetings. The structure is 60 percent larger than previous with separate rooms for adults, children and teenagers.
Of particular note are the strategically placed windows, generous in size, allowing in plenty of light.
However, these are not ordinary windows. They are portals framing fascinating views of San Francisco; Coit Tower, the spires of Saints Peter and Paul Church, and glimpses of the bay, an extra bonus for patrons to enjoy.
The new library replaced the previous fifty-five year old structure and is actually the third for the North Beach district. The first, located at 1191 Powell Street, was built in 1921 by architect G. Albert Lansburgh and was one of the City’s eight Carnegie libraries. It was originally named the North Beach Branch but was renamed the Chinatown Branch in 1958 to more accurately reflect the community served. In 1959 a new North Beach Branch was built at 2000 Mason Street, adjacent to Joe DiMaggio Playground.
The North Beach library is the last of 24 city branches built or renovated with the bond funds approved by voters under the Branch Library Improvement Program. Funding was secured from voter approved Proposition D in November 2007.
As we can see from these photographs, the interior is airy and modern. It feels optimistic, like a clean, fresh breeze blowing in through the Golden Gate, something our great City by the Bay appreciates and understands quite well.
San Francisco Public Library – North Beach Branch
850 Columbus Avenue
Phone: (415) 355-5626
Website: http://sfpl.org/ index.php?pg=0100001401
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