MEDIA CONTACT: Michelle Jeffers, (415) 557-4282; mjeffers@sfpl.org
MEDIA ALERT
Portola Branch Library Celebrates Grand Opening
Invitation to Cover
What: Join Mayor Gavin Newsom, City Librarian Luis Herrera, Supervisors Sophie Maxwell and David Campos and other officials for the opening celebration of the Portola Branch Library's new building.
When: Noon-3 p.m., Saturday, Feb. 28
Where: 380 Bacon St. (at Goettingen)
Who:
Remarks by:
- Mayor Gavin Newsom
- City Librarian Luis Herrera
- Supervisor Sophie Maxwell
- Supervisor David Campos
- State Senator Mark Leno
- San Francisco Public Library Commission President Jewelle Gomez
- Donna Bero, Friends of the San Francisco Public Library
PHOTO OPPORTUNITIES:
Ribbon Cutting; Jing Mo Athletic Association Lion Dancers; Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Academic Middle School string quartet; AuCo Vietnamese Cultural Center dancers; La Familia Peña Govea; The San Francisco School Chorus
Why: The Portola Branch is the ninth branch to be completed under the Branch Library Improvement Program, which is funded by a $105.9 million bond measure passed by voters in November 2000. The branch is one of four libraries that were housed in leased facilities and are now being replaced by city-owned buildings. Project costs totaled about $3.3 million. A separate fundraising campaign by Friends of the San Francisco Public Library provided new furniture and equipment for the branch.
The light and airy new 6,300-square-foot branch features a beautiful public art display of four handmade glass and metal shutters, a view garden, an expanded children's section, a designated teen space and a program room that will allow after-hours access for the community. The branch also includes an expanded collection of books, CDs, DVDS and other materials, new furniture and shelving, a prominent reading area, more computers, Wi-Fi access to the Internet and more functional work spaces for the Library staff.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:
As part of the celebration, Goettingen Street between Bacon and Burrows streets will be closed off. The musical entertainment will precede the opening ceremony, which begins at 1 p.m.
Please RSVP to (415) 557-4277
Building better libraries for stronger communities.
