Why Walnut Creek Needs a New Downtown Library
The Old Downtown Walnut Creek Library is outdated, undersized, and worn out. Built in 1961 when the community was seven times smaller than today, the 46-year-old building has significant space, access, noise, safety, seismic, and energy-efficiency problems.Out of Space for 20 Years
The Old Downtown Library ran out of space 20 years ago. As a result, the existing book collection is 26% smaller than the national average. Even including the Ygnacio Valley branch, Walnut Creek’s two libraries have two thirds less space, based on population, than the modern libraries of neighboring communities.
| Walnut Creek Libraries -- Significantly Smaller Size |
| The impact: To add a book, librarians must remove a book. |  |
Fewer Books, Restricted Seating, Soaring Shelves Lack of space severely impacts the services of the Old Downtown Library. First and foremost, the collection is limited. In fact, of the 10 Bay Area cities with populations of 60,000 to 70,000, Walnut Creek has the smallest collection on a per person basis– and that includes both branches. Seating for study or casual reading is restricted to tables crammed in noisy, high-traffic areas. Most shelving is seven feet tall, requiring visitors to use step stools. With limited workspace, staff and volunteers are forced to work in open areas and the one multi-use program room.
Structurally Unsound, Physically Inaccessible for the Disabled In 1998, the architectural firm of Noll & Tam gave the building a poor rating in overall seismic performance, disabled access, energy efficiency, health and safety conditions, acoustics, space, and functionality. In particular, the cramped aisles and tall shelves limit accessibility for people who are disabled. Limited Programs for Children, Teens, and Adults The children’s area is open to the entire library and smaller than 500 square feet, which limits the availability of Story Time and other programs for young children. Designated collections or programs for teens and young adults are sadly inadequate. Limited Access to Computers and Electronic Resources A modern library is more than a repository of books. It provides a full range of print, audio-visual, and electronic resources, including computers and online research tools found only in libraries. Because of space restrictions, the Old Downtown Library only has 13 public computers. There is no space to add more computers without eliminating books and other materials. In addition, because of the 45-year-old electrical system, only 9 of the computers can have Internet access.
A Well-Used Library Although it is one of the smallest in Contra Costa County, the Old Downtown Library is among the busiest—and use is growing, even with the availability of the Internet at home. Since 2000, circulation has increased 30% and the number of visitors has increased 75%. An average 72 patrons per hour visited the library in 2004-05. According to statewide library statistics, Walnut Creek residents use the library almost 50% more than the statewide average. In 2004, we checked out 7.5 items per person in Walnut Creek in comparison to 6.5 items for Bay Area residents and 5.3 items statewide.
| Old Downtown Library -- Among the Busiest and Use Is Growing |
| Downtown Library Visits Increased 75% and Circulation 30% since 2000 | Walnut Creek Residents Use the Library 40% More than Statewide Average |
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The Right Library for Walnut Creek after Years of Planning Comprehensive planning for the new library began in 1998, guided by the expertise of the County Library, a library consulting firm, and library architects. The process focused on a community needs assessment and a building assessment and included the input of more than 3,000 residents, business owners, and community groups. Each element of the proposed 42,000-square-foot building – from the children’s area and computer-and-homework center to the collection size, seating, and computers – is based on the specific needs of Walnut Creek. The State Office of Library Construction has approved and rated as "outstanding" the proposed building and services plan.
A New Downtown Library Benefits the Entire Community A new, information-age library will provide services to everyone in Walnut Creek – from the smallest toddlers who are getting their first exposure to reading and the world of books to the nearly 20,000 seniors who live in our community.
- An expanded book collection for all -- including more children’s books, more large-print books for seniors, expanded collections for teens and young adults, an enhanced books-on-tape collection, and dedicated business and health collections
- Significantly more computers with better access to electronic reference materials available only at the public library
- More Story Time programs and learning events for young children
- A computer-and-homework center for students, offering homework assistance, tutoring, 10 computer workstations, and access to research and reference tools unavailable at the school libraries or Ygnacio Valley branch
- A technology center for seniors, young adults, and other adults, offering computer and Internet training
- An expanded community room for author programs and lectures of community interest
Resources Needed to Build New Library With a combination of city library reserves and other financing, contributions of private citizens, and, potentially, a grant from the state, the City of Walnut Creek will be able to build the new library that the community needs.
Join the Community Effort to Build a New Downtown Library Residents, business leaders, and community groups are working together to support the City’s efforts to build a new downtown library. What can you do?
