Hayward’s new main library opens to public on Saturday with community open house

HAYWARD, Calif., Sept. 13, 2019--Hayward’s new 21^st Century Library and Community Learning Center will open its doors for regular operations and a community open house at 10 a.m. tomorrow, Saturday, Sept. 14.

“We are very excited to finally be able to invite our local residents into this amazing building and start offering our services in a downtown location once again,” said Hayward Library Director Jayanti Addleman.  “It feels like homecoming, and we can’t wait to welcome the community back.”

Construction of the new library at 888 C Street and new Heritage Plaza on the site of the old main library—a combined $60 million project—are being financed through the Measure C half-cent sales tax passed by Hayward voters in 2014.

Together, the new library and plaza set a new standard for environmentally sustainable design.  The building will be a net-zero-energy facility, meaning 100-percent energy self-sufficient.  Designed by Noll & Tam Architects, the building will be powered by 100-percent, carbon-free energy sources.  To conserve drinking water, the new library and surrounding facilities will capture and store rainwater in a cistern beneath the location of the old main library for future non-potable uses, such as flushing toilets and irrigation.

Once fully operational, the new three-story, 58,000 square-foot library will house 50 percent more books and other materials than its predecessor; dozens of computers available for public use; a Makerspace featuring 3D printers, robotics and textiles, a digital media lab; multiple community meeting rooms, a café, and a Homework Support Center in the children’s library.

The library opening on Saturday will be celebrated with activities for all ages, including crafts, live music, and library tours conducted in English, Spanish and Mandarin Chinese, free gifts from the Friends of the Library and much more.  The Weekes branch library, at 27300 Patrick Ave., will be closed for the day and will resume regular service on Monday, Sept. 16.