Library Construction Cost Going Down!

Nearing the halfway point, the construction of the new San Marino Public Library continues on schedule. But the projected spending for the project has actually dropped! Savings in the cost of technology and furnishings (over $830 thousand) along with donations of service from Nu-Way Disposal (almost $31 thousand) have knocked almost nine hundred thousand dollars off of previous budget projections. This reduces the program budget from $17.2 million down to $16.3 million.

"The greatest thing about these savings is that the price is dropping without changing the scope of work," notes City Manager Matt Ballantyne.

Private citizens have already donated over half of the cost of this public structure. Once the Library Foundation meets its fundraising goal, the generous gifts of private donors will eventually cover two-thirds of the expense to complete our community's state-of-the-art library and meeting place that is scheduled to open next January.

Tree Tops New Library!

San Marino Public Library holds traditional “Topping Out” celebration as last steel beam is hoisted atop new facility.

Those recently driving down Huntington Drive in San Marino might have done a double take and wondered what fraternity or practical joker was behind the prank when they spied a tree – yes, a tree – atop the new facility currently under construction for the San Marino Public Library. But the tree was there because it was supposed to be – as part of a time-honored tradition among ironworkers called “Topping Out.”

This milestone celebrates the placing of the final, top piece of steel on a new building, explained Alex Main, Construction Manager for Bernard’s Construction Management. As tradition demands, an American flag was raised along with the tree and the final beam was painted white, so that the members of Ironworkers Union 433 and over 200 visiting dignitaries could sign it.

Guests included Dr. Matthew Lin, Mayor of San Marino; City Manager Matt Ballantyne; architects from Harley Ellis Devereaux, which designed the new library; City department heads and city employees; members of the San Marino Unified School Board; representatives from the San Marino Public Library’s Board of Trustees and Foundation; Friends of the San Marino Public Library; and five of the six City Council candidates. Even a Humanities class from Southwestern Academy in San Marino took a short field trip to join the crowd as well.

“It was a wonderful, perfect opportunity for the students to watch local history in the making,” said Carolyn Crain, City Librarian. “But what I, myself, will remember most, for years to come, is all the positive energy and support that surrounded us.”

In fact, there was so much support from the community that City police opted to close Huntington Drive briefly, to allow the crowd to cross to the median to watch the “topping out” of the final beam.

As is often the case on larger projects like the new 29,000 square foot San Marino Public Library – which will include such amenities as a Lifelong Learning Center, Children’s Library, Reference and Technology Area, Community Meeting Room and Chinese Collection – the “Topping Out” ceremony included an outdoor lunch for the crew and guests, compliments of Bernards, prior to the placement of the last beam at 2 p.m.

Community Pride and Faith Paying Off

Eighteen years of careful planning and private as well as City support is finally coming to fruition as steel columns and girders rise into place, forming the structural backbone of the new San Marino Public Library.

Private investors have given the majority of the funds to build this public gathering place. These generous citizens have taken it upon themselves to invest in the future of their City, knowing that this flagship facility will act as a resilient and cohesive cultural core for San Marino, as well as generate value for years to come.

At last, San Marino families will have a highly functional library that will be fully outfitted to support its excellent schools with up-to-date equipment and resources. And, although users will still be able to borrow books at no charge, the Library will generate revenue for the City by renting its state-of-the-art community meeting room, for example. Also, the volunteer-staffed Friends of the Library Used Book Shoppe will occupy center stage with its own storefront conveniently located near the library entrance. Revenues generated by the Shoppe pay for many of the Library’s new books and materials. In addition, the new building is designed to be energy efficient, thus saving the enormous heating and cooling costs associated with the old building.

Other California communities have waited for State hand-outs to build or replace their libraries. Our far-sighted citizens empowered themselves to move forward with construction. As a result, by the end of this year, San Marino will enjoy a new library built by its own residents: a powerful asset worthy of the accomplished people of this town.