The new Morgan Hill Library opened to enthusiastic crowds
Saturday that marveled at the city’s $19-million civic gem.
Morgan Hill – The new Morgan Hill Library opened to enthusiastic crowds Saturday that marveled at the city’s $19-million civic gem.
About 4,500 people attended the library’s grand opening jubilee, checking out more than 3,800 items. Speeches by politicians, magic shows, a literary costume contest, refreshments and a jazz band playing behind the reference desk marked the auspicious occasion.
“We’re led to believe people don’t read anymore because of computers,” said Morgan Hill resident Walt Waltner, using an automatic checkout machine to beat a lengthy line at the circulation counter. “But judging by the turnout today, Morgan Hill people read.”
Morgan Hill Mayor Steve Tate cut the ribbon at noon and the inquisitive crowd streamed into the building.
“It’s huge!” said 12-year-old Kody Hart, finding a spot at one of 50 Internet terminals.
“The connection speed is much faster than the old library,” added 14-year-old Dustin Faulkner, who was among the first people to enter the airy new building. “The computers are more state-of-the-art.”
The new library at 660 West Main Ave. replaces the library’s previous home on Peak Avenue that closed June 9 after 34 years. Many felt the old library, at 14,000 square feet, had become too cramped.
City officials also dedicated a new playground next to the facility in memory of the late Ken Tougas, a seniors’ and children’s advocate who died in 2003 at the age of 66.
The Morgan Hill Redevelopment Agency funded the long-awaited project, with the city acting as general contractor. Noll & Tam Architects and TBI Construction and Construction Management Inc, delivered the impressive structure on time and on budget without any dramatic snags.
“There have been some little glitches,” said librarian Beverly Vessa, adding staff members worked late into the night Friday hanging signs and getting the automatic materials-sorting machine to work. “It’s been a challenge, but it’s worth it to see all these smiling faces today. It’s really exciting to reconnect with all these people after six weeks.”
It took more than 80 construction workers 14 months to complete the building. Most of the pieces were in place Saturday, but a few wrinkles remained to be ironed out, such as getting the building’s wireless Internet service up and running and installing signs to mark the information desk and other sections. Librarian Rosanne Macek said the wireless Internet service should be available this week.
Those hiccups didn’t seem to bother library users exploring the building for the first time. More than 400 children attended magic shows in the building’s program room, which boasts audio and video equipment. More than 25 library staff members answered some 400 reference questions and issued nearly 80 new library cards.
Grace Taira, 3, found one of her favorite books, “Willie the Worm,” in the expanded children’s section.
“Willie the worm is a very silly worm because he doesn’t like mud,” Taira said. “But then he turns to liking mud.”
Zachary Thomas, 14, said the computer-stocked library would be a powerful resource for students.
“I think they did a really nice job,” said Thomas, who will be a freshman at Sobrato High School this fall. “I think more people will use the library … if you have a paper, you can come here, find some books and use the computers.”
Eight-year-old Oliver Jensen said he is impressed with the larger children’s section.
“This library is much better than the old one,” Jensen said. “I get to hang out, I get to read books I don’t get to read at home and I get to spend time with my family.”
Morgan Hill resident Mary Dossetti, a former library volunteer, praised the roomy interior and numerous computers.
“It’s spacious … you can breathe in here,” Dossetti said. “And the computer system is major. It’s going to help raise the quality of schools.”
Fred Amoroso, who has lived in Morgan Hill since 1960, brought his laptop computer to the new library expecting to get online. The temporary lack of wireless service did not lessen his enthusiasm for the building.Â
“It’s well suited for all ages,” Amoroso said. “I’m older, so I like having quiet reading areas away from the teen section.”
One of the biggest challenges was getting the funding. After the city failed to win state grants in the past 10 years to assist construction costs, Noll scaled back the 40,000-square-foot floor plan and switched to a more lightweight design. The building allows for a 10,000-square-foot addition if called for in the future.
The Morgan Hill Redevelopment Agency paid for the project after the Morgan Hill City Council extended the life of the RDA in 1999 with a promise to deliver a series of community projects. Those projects include the Community and Cultural Center, the Aquatics Center, the Centennial Recreation Center, the Outdoor Sports Center and the library.
The library also received help from the community, with the Friends of the Morgan Hill Library raising nearly $250,000 to purchase a collection of permanent artwork for the facility. Additionally, the money paid for library equipment and a children’s puppet stage.
