County of Santa Cruz Plans New Branch Library

From the County of Santa Cruz: The County of Santa Cruz and Santa Cruz Public Libraries are inviting members of the public to review preliminary plans for a new branch library for Felton, a long-sought community project being funded by Measure S library funds.

The new Felton Branch Library will be located on Gushee Street on a two-acre site adjacent to the U.S. Post Office's Felton office. At approximately 9,600 square feet, the new library will provide significantly more space for library programming, technology, and collections to serve thousands of residents in the San Lorenzo Valley, Lompico, Zayante and Mount Hermon areas.

The single-story proposal has sloping roof lines, a wood and rock exterior and plenty of windows for natural light. Proposed site improvements include an outdoor patio for library programs and enjoyment, a new footbridge over Bull Creek, parking and Gushee Street frontage improvements, and riparian restoration work. An environmental literacy theme is guiding plans for a proposed outdoor discovery park.

Preliminary plans have been prepared by Teall Messer Architect of Soquel, and Joni L. Janecki & Associates Landscape Architects of Santa Cruz.

With voter approval of Measure S for Libraries in June 2016, the County is now engaged in implementing a work program to build and renovate County branch libraries operated by the Santa Cruz Public Libraries Joint Powers Authority. Ten million dollars has been designated for the design and construction of the new Felton Branch Library.

The meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 at 7 p.m. at the Highlands Park Senior Center, 8500 Highway 9, Ben Lomond, Calif.

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