Things are Looking Up

What a difference a year can make! Branch libraries’ hours are being restored, the Library is filling its vacancies and the new Central Library’s construction continues to be on time and on budget! And, the iconic dome topping off the new library building is being constructed!

Mayor Sanders recently announced the end of the City’s fiscal crisis. With that announcement he also revealed that his Mid-Year Budget proposal included restoration of hours for branch libraries. Council approved the budget proposal. Library staff and community members are thankful and anxious for the branch libraries to be open more hours ASAP.

This increase in hours applies to the base schedule for all branch libraries, increasing from 36 hours per week to 41 hours per week. Branch libraries currently open on Sundays – City Heights/Weingart, La Jolla/Riford, Point Loma/Hervey and Serra Mesa-Kearny Mesa, thanks to available private funding, all will retain their Sunday hours for a total of 45 hours open per week.

The Library started slowly filling vacancies earlier this fiscal year. We are pleased to accelerate hiring efforts in order to expand hours. The hiring process has procedures that must be followed so it may take a little time. We expect to complete the process of restoring hours by the end of May.

Have you been watching the webcam on our website? If so, you’ve seen the amazing “Beacon of Knowledge.” That’s what some of us are calling the dome, the iconic structure being constructed atop the library building. Traveling along I-5 recently, I spotted the dome in its beginning formation. It was a sight to behold – beautiful! I was surprised by the emotions it invoked in me. I can only imagine how it will look when completed.


Dome being erected on New Central Library

Having visited the top of the 9th floor with City and Turner engineers, I had an opportunity to see the range of views that will be seen from the building. I am so excited about the experience that will be shared with San Diegans and visitors who will come to our spectacular new library.

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Doug Wenck, Turner’s “Dome Engineer”

View from the 9th Floor of the New Central Library

The new Central Library will be a symbol and a tangible example of our city’s commitment to knowledge, literacy, learning and community engagement. The dome will call us to it.