Monday, Jan 22, 2018
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    Libraries are no longer only about books – they are spaces where communities gather. This is particularly true with the Fair Oaks Library. On any given afternoon, the library is packed with people reading, doing homework, using computers, or catching up with neighbors. I am very excited that work is finally set to begin in February on renovations to the Fair Oaks Library, including a 600-square foot expansion. It’s a very exciting project that I know will greatly benefit our North Fair Oaks community!

    Thank you to the sponsors of this project, the Latino Community Council of Redwood, Redwood City, Redwood City Library Foundation, Kaiser Permanente Redwood City and the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, and to the County for using Measure K funds for this renovation. Following a thorough planning and design process, I am thrilled to share some of the details of the Fair Oaks Remodel Project.

    Dedicated space for teens. The first change will be to add a much-needed dedicated area for teens to hang out, or do school work. This area will have all the latest technology, including smart boards for school projects and laptops.

    Interactive learning and play area for children. An entire wall of the new library will feature a farmers’ market truck with activities and visuals for children and their parents. The interactive wall aims to teach early bilingual literacy and motor skills, as well as healthy eating choices and nutrition, featuring foods from Michoacán, Mexico and California.

    Movable furniture for creative programming. Additionally, the new library will have movable seating and shelving, so that spaces can be shuffled around to accommodate different programs and activities that the library frequently hosts.

    Over the next few months, during construction, a temporary library space will open next door in the Fair Oaks Community Center at 2600 Middlefield Road. The last day the Fair Oaks Library will be open is January 31 and the temporary location will open on February 5.

    The expansion and renovations are slated to take four months, with an anticipated re-opening in June 2018.

    I am very excited that this project is nearing the final stretch. I’m looking forward to visiting Fair Oaks Library when it re-opens in June, and seeing it continue to be an invaluable space for the community of North Fair Oaks to gather.