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On March 31, 2007, the newly renovated Sunset Branch Library reopened.
Originally opened in 1918, the Sunset Branch is a Carnegie building designed by architect G. Albert Lansburgh and built at a cost of $43,955 for building and furnishings. It was the 8th branch established in the SF Public Library system. In 2004, the branch was designated a City Landmark.
The branch’s collections and services are tailored to the interests and needs of a highly diverse community. In addition to an English language collection of approximately
54,000 items, the branch has a Chinese language collection of 6000 items, as well as small Russian and Vietnamese collections.
In 1992, the Sunset Branch was seismically retrofitted and a ramp and elevator were installed. In 2005-07, the building was renovated at a cost of $1.5 million dollars. Fougeron Architecture of San Francisco designed the renovation; Cooper Pugeda Management, Inc, did the construction.
The renovated branch includes an updated book and materials collection, improved lighting and power, revamped Children’s Area, more computers, Wi-Fi access to the internet, more comfortable seating; new designated Teen Area, new Program Room, new street level after hours book drop, more functional staff work areas; new cork flooring; more fully accessible public restrooms, clearer signage, and new furniture. The Friends of the SF Public Library raised $500,000 in private funds to pay for furniture, fixtures and equipment not covered by the bond.
Sunset Branch Libary interior prior to opening in 1918
The Sunset Branch in 1970
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