San Diego breaks ground on New Central Library

A standing-room crowd of more than 800 library supporters joined San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders, State and City officials and three former City mayors to break ground on the New Central Library—a project in the planning for more than 30 years.

“Today we break ground on a project that was more than three decades in the making – a project that has inspired a truly unprecedented number of people to participate in the civic process,” said Mayor Sanders at the July 28 event. “We know it will continue to inspire our citizens for generations to come.”

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Joining the Mayor at the groundbreaking ceremony were private donors who have collectively contributed more than $40.8 million in private commitments for New Central Library construction, including $10 million to cover additional operating costs when the facility opens. Among those who attended were Joan and Irwin Jacobs, who have committed $15 million to construction and an additional $5 million toward operations.  

“Joan and I are very pleased to join with so many others in our community to finally reach this very special day - groundbreaking for our new central library,” said Irwin Jacobs before the ceremony. “We look forward to the library becoming a prime focus within the region for civic engagement, educational activities, and pursuit of knowledge in its ever expanding forms.  We anticipate extended operating hours using the committed private resources to supplement city general funds.”

Library Foundation Chair Mel Katz joined Immediate Past Chair of the Foundation Judith C. Harris and Library Commission Chair and Foundation Trustee Katie Sullivan on stage to thank all the donors who helped move the project to groundbreaking.

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San Diego Public Library Foundation Chair Mel Katz, Immediate Past Chair Judith C. Harris and Library Commission Chair and Library Foundation Trustee Katie Sullivan thank project donors at the groundbreaking ceremony.

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The nine-story Library will be the heart of San Diego’s 35-branch library system and will serve as a new regional center for learning and literacy, offering public access to the Central Library’s entire collection. Currently, two-thirds of the collection must be housed in basement areas off limits to the public. As a technology center, the New Central Library will help close the ‘digital divide’ with more than 400 workstations, available laptops, spaces for teaching the use of new technology and free Wi-Fi access. A unique and innovative 76,000 square-foot charter school will be housed independently on the Library’s sixth and seventh floors. The iconic Library will also offer multiple community gathering spaces where San Diegans will celebrate reading and culture, hear great music, appreciate art work and discuss critical civic issues.
 
For more information on the groundbreaking event, visit here for a Foundation news release.

For additional information on the New Central Library project, visit here for background information and here for information on funding opportunities.