West Branch, including Berkeley Reads
The current West Branch will be replaced with a brand new, brighter, more inviting building,
creating a safe haven from the clamor of life along University Ave. and allowing for:
- More space and better accessibility for library programs.
- Greater visibility to residents not yet making use of this neighborhood resource, including the Indian and Latino populations that live and work nearby.
- Improved space for the Berkeley Reads adult literacy program—one of the touchstones of this branch.
Net Zero Energy
The new West Branch is being designed as one of the first Net-Zero Energy U.S. libraries. Rooftop solar panels, connected to the electric utility grid, will produce more energy over the course of a typical year than is required by the building to operate. The result: significant financial savings and a zero carbon footprint.
The Neighborhood Library Campaign will:
- Provide more computers
- Create better seating areas and additional table space
- Allow for better-designed separation between adult and teen areas
Learn More
FAQs about the West Branch Project.
View the latest plans for the new West Branch.
FAQs about branch closures.
Committee
Trina Ostrander, Co-Chair
Fredrica Drotos, Co-Chair
Benjamin Bartlett
Caitlin Brostrom
Liz Hoadley
Joan Lamphier
Steve Smith
“When I came here three years ago, I was nervous and scared to ask questions. But everyone here had a great attitude. I’m disabled, and it’s hard for me to learn, but I got help here. Since then, I started up the Berkeley East Bay Track Club, and I’m the head coach, working with kids ages three to fourteen. I still come back and use the computer to check my email and keep up the club’s website. The folks here always make me feel at home.”
—Ralph Walker, Former Berkeley Reads Student
—Ralph Walker, Former Berkeley Reads Student