| |  | |  | | Frequently Asked Questions |
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| Does anyone still use the library?
Although it is one of the smallest in Contra Costa County, the downtown library is among the busiest—and use is growing. Since 2000, circulation has increased 30% and the number of visitors has increased 75%, with an average of more than 70 visitors per hour 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.
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How has the Internet affected library use?
According to the American Library Association, visits to public libraries have more than doubled in the past 12 years, and many of these visitors are coming for computer and Internet access. Library computers provide access to specialized databases and electronic reference tools unavailable to home users. Just as significantly, library computers help to "bridge the digital divide" for those who do not have access at home. In addition, communities expect public libraries to teach children, adults, and seniors how to use computers and online tools effectively for research.
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How will the new library be integrated into Civic Park?
The new library will not take away green space from Civic Park. Enhancing the park and the creek, preserving trees and green space are among the critical design goals for the library. The new library will be integrated with the existing community buildings, namely the Civic Park Community/Senior Center and the Assembly Hall.
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Where will funding to operate the new library come from?
The City has completed a detailed projection for the operating costs of the new library, which shows that operating costs can continue to be covered from three existing sources of operating funds – the County Library, Measure Q and the City – and potential funding sources such as an operating endowment from the Walnut Creek Library Foundation. We also expect to use parking revenues from the library garage and contributions from the Walnut Creek Friends of the Library book sale revenues. Measure Q, approved in 2002 by Walnut Creek voters, currently generates funding for library operations. It will sunset in July 2010.
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Where will the money come from to build the new library and site and parking improvements?
Funding for library construction will come from a variety of sources. The City has designated $25.6 million in budget savings for library construction. The Walnut Creek Library Foundation has pledged to raise $5 million.
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Why does Walnut Creek need a new library?
Walnut Creek's former downtown library was built in 1961 when the city had fewer than 10,000 residents. It was outdated, undersized and worn out. It ran out of space 20 years ago. Even including the Ygnacio Valley branch, Walnut Creek’s libraries have less than one-third the space for books and materials, based on population, than more modern libraries like those in Orinda and Dublin. The lack of adequate space meant the existing book collection at the downtown library is 26% smaller than the national average.
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Will the library be large enough to meet the community’s needs?
The new downtown library will serve the needs of a community that has grown significantly since the library was built in 1961. The proposed building size of 42,000 square feet was determined as part of a detailed library service planning process, led by the County Library and reviewed and approved by the State Office of Library Construction. The planning process – undertaken first in the late 1990s and later re-validated in 2002-2004 as part of the state grant process – ensures that the library will be large enough to house the books and materials, computers and electronic resources, quiet and comfortable seating areas, and special program areas that meet the needs of Walnut Creek's residents. When the new library is complete, the total square footage of both Walnut Creek libraries will still be less than the average size of more modern Bay Area libraries, on a per-person basis.
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Will the new library be "green"?
The library and garage have a number of "green" features including the following: Control of solar gain through roof overhangs, sun screens and interior shading Stormwater management Reduction of heat islands "Energy Star" rated roof High performance glazing Energy efficient heating and cooling and lighting Energy efficient, under-floor heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) distribution Daylight harvesting controls to automatically dim unneeded light Infrastructure will be installed for future photovoltaic installation Construction waste management Use of materials with recycled content and regionally manufactured materials
The City is also pursuing Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Certification. LEED is a voluntary, market-driven, building rating system based on existing proven technology. LEED evaluates environmental performance from a "whole building" perspective over a building's life cycle, providing a measurable standard for what constitutes a "green building." Buildings can receive LEED certification by meeting prerequisites and earning a certain number of points associated with different sustainable building strategies. LEED criteria include the following:
Site sustainability Energy efficiency Resource use, reuse, and recycling Healthy indoor environment Innovation and public education
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Will there be adequate parking for the library?
The plans include 150 parking spaces the library, mostly underground. There will be no parking structure as originally planned.
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