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Main Library Closed for Construction
on December 24, 2004 |
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The Main Library,
in downtown El Paso, will close to the public temporarily
starting Friday, December 24, 2004. That facility is
currently undergoing an expansion and renovation provided for by
the Quality of Life bond issue passed overwhelmingly by voters
in 2000. The Library portion of the Cleveland Square project,
which also includes the History Museum, is scheduled to be
completed approximately July of 2006.
During the temporary closure, crews will continue work on the
new portion of the facility, which will add approximately 45,000
square feet to the existing building. They will also begin the
renovation of the existing portion. The two edifices will soon
be conjoined bringing the total space of the Main Library to
110,000 square feet.
The expanded and renovated facility will have a new 250-seat
auditorium, a 50-station computer lab and classroom, a larger
children’s area and a teen area called “Teen Town”.
The library will also house an expanded collection of books and
resources for loan. Library officials expect to resume
limited service at the Main Library in July 2005 but that is
subject to change depending on the progress of the construction
crews. They will also add hours to other branches starting
in late January 2005 to compensate for the closure.
Staff from Main Library will be transferred to the branches to
better serve the public. Main Library programs and classes
will be pre-empted during this period. All other El Paso
Public Library facilities as well as the bookmobile will remain
open to serve the community. The public is encouraged to
call or visit their local branch library or visit this website
for complete library system information. |
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Press Release from
March 22, 2004 |
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City of El Paso Breaks Ground on Cleveland Square Complex
Features Library Expansion, History Museum, Downtown Park |
| Mayor Joe Wardy
and members of the museum, parks and libraries boards broke
ground on the long-anticipated Cleveland Square complex
today behind the existing Main Library, near the
intersection of El Paso and Franklin Street. |
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complex will include a major expansion of the Main Library
downtown, a new History Museum and new features for
Cleveland Square Park. Funding for the projects totals $12.6
million and comes from the 2000 Quality of Life bonds. |
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| Mayor
Wardy said, “In 2000, the voters approved $141 million in
quality of life projects, and arguably the most significant
project is the one we are about to break ground on today. A
major renovation and expansion of the Main Library to provide
great new high tech learning tools for our kids and other
residents. Construction of the new Museum of History to showcase
the rich heritage of our region. And, the return of Cleveland
Square Park to a beautiful green space that everyone can be
proud of and enjoy.“ |
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Gus Haddad, Chairman
of the Bond Oversight Advisory Committee, led the comments by
volunteer leadership, and said, "This is what we have termed
from the beginning as the signature issue from the 2000 Quality
of |
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Life Bond Election, and is funded by
three of the four propositions approved by voters. The ad hoc bond committee was
instrumental in making this one instead of three separate
projects to streamline construction. Its central location,
remarkable design and construction value also make this project
a very visible result of community investment." |
History Museum Board President Frank Gorman said, "Heritage
tourism is the fastest growing segment in the largest industry
in the world. The new Museum of History will be a great resource
to help us mine the enormous opportunity we have in heritage
tourism in our community."
“Literacy and education are cornerstones in the foundation of
any great society,” said Mary Jo Lee, President, El Paso Public
Library Association. “It is appropriate and fitting that the
cornerstone of Cleveland Square and the downtown redevelopment
effort include a newly renovated Main Library.”
Bernie Sargent, Chairman of the Parks and Recreation Board and
the County Historical Society, said, “This event speaks volumes
about El Pasoans’ commitment to our future by drawing from our
past. The Cleveland Square Project, coupled with the Insights
and Holocaust Museums, will be known as El Paso's entertainment
district for the mind.”
The speakers were part of a group of about fifteen elected
officials, City department heads, project designers and
volunteer leaders who turned the first dirt for the project. The
shovels were colorfully decorated by children attending events
at the El Paso public libraries during the past few weeks.
Perspectiva + 3D/I is managing the project for the City and
estimates completion by September 2005. |
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August 6, 2004 |
September 19, 2004 |
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Franklin Street |
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View from roof at City Hall |
Franklin Street |
Missouri Street |
Missouri Street |
New lobby - Entrance will be on the west side of building facing
City Hall. |
Future Children's Room |
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Lobby looking up to Children's Room |
Lobby |
Looking into Children's Room from 2nd floor lobby |
Carpeting going down in Children's Room
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Information desk in Children's Room |
Teen Town |
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Shelving in children's room |
Shelving in children's room |
Boxes with books have been brought in from storage |
Staff hard at work unpacking and shelving books |
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