Grand Opening for New Morgan Hill Library - County of Santa Clara

County of Santa Clara
Office of the County Executive
70 West Hedding Street, East Wing 11 th Floor
San Jose, CA 95110
(408) 299-5119
www.sccgov.org
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 20, 2007
Contact: Gwendolyn Mitchell/Marina Hinestrosa Rosanne Macek
Office of Public Affairs
Morgan Hill Public Library
(408) 299-5119 (408) 779-3197 Ext. 3700
Grand Opening for New Morgan Hill Library
Festivities on July 21 st to Highlight Special Features and
Services of Beautiful, Long-Awaited 28,000 Square Foot Facility
SAN JOSE, CALIF.— Beginning this Saturday, Morgan Hill residents will enjoy a brand new library.
A Grand Opening celebration scheduled from 11:00am. to 4:00pm. on July 21 st will highlight the
multiple amenities the new 28,000 square feet –double the size of the old library, will offer to its
customers.
As one of the libraries administered by the Santa Clara County Library system, the new Morgan Hill
Library, located at 660 West Main Avenue, was built for $19 million dollars, with funds from the
Morgan Hill Redevelopment Agency.
“We were so crowded in the other building, said Rosanne Macek, Morgan Hill Librarian. “This new
library is a huge plus for the community because not only it is double the size of the old one, but it will
offer plenty of services and opportunities to learn.”
Extensive use of natural light, specialized insulation, and high-performance composite glazing on the
window surfaces, to save energy and reduce heat gain, are attractive features of the library’s design
accomplished by project architect, Noll & Tam Architects of Berkeley. Natural colors and materials
complement its beautiful surroundings, including the landmark peak El Toro.
“Our residents have waited for a long time to have a new library”, said Morgan Hill Mayor Steve Tate.
“I am pleased that we were able to dedicate redevelopment funds and other funding sources for this
vital community resource.”
-more-

Morgan Hill Library Grand Opening on July 21 - Page 2
Currently, over 25,000 people hold Santa Clara County Library cards in Morgan Hill. Patrons will
have enough seats to use, and enjoy twice the number of public internet computers, and many more
study tables with power for laptops. Other amenities include an automated handling system to expedite
checking in and sorting of returned library materials; an expanded library program room to
accommodate over 100 people and that can be divided to support two events held at the same time; an
expansive new lobby area to house special displays; a larger international languages area; a new group
study room; and soft seating in the children’s area for families who gather to read.
“Books are great food for the imagination,” said Don Gage, Chair of the Santa Clara County Board of
Supervisors. “This new library will offer South County youngsters easier access to the materials to
foster their creativity and expand their horizons. It will be a great information source for adults as
well.”
Residents will enjoy additional enhancements to the new library, thanks to the generosity of the
Friends of the Library of Morgan Hill. Through their BEYOND BOOKS CAMPAIGN, corporate
sponsors, leaders and residents raised nearly a quarter million dollars for improvements of the old
library plan.
“Besides two compelling statues donated by Leadership Morgan Hill, we have been able to provide
beautiful artwork and furniture upgrades,” said Friends of the Library President Carol O’Hare. “All
these added benefits will complement a library designed to fit in a magnificent natural setting.”
Library patrons are also credited for their significant help during the moving efforts from the 34 year
old library. Compared to May of last year, when the total circulation was over 44,000 books and other
library materials, customers checked out over 55,049 items. That is an increase of than 10,740 items,
an increase of 24 percent. Due dates were staggered based on when items were actually checked, as
long as they are returned to the new library beginning this weekend.
# # #