City of San Mateo--New Central Library

Since I had planned to go visit Lorrita Ford at the College of San Mateo Library, I met her at a Librarians' tour of the new city San Mateo library. It is a beautiful three story "environmentally-designed" building with underground parking. One of the most striking features was the mezzanine windows that draw you outside as they frame the redwood trees. One of the local patrons called this 90,000 square foot library "university-like" and there is no question that people will be drawn to learning here...

There are Internet stations scattered in a variety of learning locations, an Instruction room, a Biotechnology Center (sponsored by Genetech) and a Fisher Journalism Center (as is the Fisher Investment Letter). There is also a cafe, an inviting children's reading room as well as a teen room. There is no question that this library will bring people in...it is inviting and comfortable and provides so many areas to explore. On opening day, 6,500 patrons came in to see it!

For more information: http://tinyurl.com/nakvra