The library is the most important place in the city, if you ask me. It helps me research and write my books, it offers them to people who might not get them otherwise, and most importantly, it teaches our younger citizens the value of becoming a lifetime reader.
—Eddie Muller, 2008 Library Laureate
Action Alert July 2009
CONSTRUCTION STALLED
SPEAK OUT NOW AND PROTECT THE LIBRARY!
After the Ortega Library Groundbreaking Ceremony a permit appeal was filed to stop the demolition of the existing library and the building of a new branch library. We had hoped to complete the demolition of the old building before school starts, but we now have to wait. This delay could jeopardize the construction of the much needed, new, larger library for our community.
WE NEED YOUR LETTERS AND TESTIMONY
Show support for our new library at the Board of Appeals hearing on Wednesday, August 5th at 5:00pm at City Hall, Room 416.
If you are able, please attend! Bring friends, family and neighbors!
In addition, write to the Board of Appeals, 1650 Mission Street, Room 304, San Francisco, CA 94103.
**Please make sure to send copies of your letter to BLIP@sfpl.org or fax 415-557-4427 no later than July 29th**
HELP US SPREAD THE WORD
Please forward this information to friends, family and neighbors! We need as many people as possible to send letters and come to the Board of Appeals hearing.
SUGGESTED CONTENT FOR LETTERS TO BOARD OF APPEALS
Tell the Board of Appeals what your connection is to the SFPL and the Ortega Branch Library. Are you a library user? A teacher? A small business owner? Let them know how you use the library.
If you have participated in the planning process for the Ortega Branch Library, please describe how you were involved.
Let them know that the appeal that was filed jeopardizes the construction of the Ortega Branch Library, and could cost the library and the City of San Francisco hundreds of thousands of dollars in delays. Let them know that delays as a result of the appeal costs the community the new and improved library it desperately needs.
Let the Board of Appeals know the many things you are looking forward to in the new branch! The new, 9,000-square-foot branch will be seismically safe, closer to Ortega Street for added visibility and safety of patrons, and designed to better meet the needs of the nearby schools and surrounding neighborhood.
It will feature the largest Program Room outside the Main Library, with after-hours community access, a large reading area, distinct spaces for Teens and Children, a custom Play-to-Learn area for young children and their families, a study room, views of the ocean, public art, a living green roof, and new furniture, shelving and materials displays.
