News Release

The San Francisco Public Library announced that the Noe Valley/Sally Brunn Branch Library, located at 451 Jersey Street, will close Feb. 11 for renovations. The renovation is part of a major capital improvement project – the largest in San Francisco Public Library history – backed by voters who passed a $105.9 million bond measure in November 2000.

The project, which will cost about $5.7 million and be completed in late 2007, will include seismic strengthening, accessibility improvements and energy-efficiency and technological upgrades. The historic details of the Carnegie-inspired building – lights, woodwork, finishes, etc. – will be restored and all improvements will be compatible with the original architecture. A new elevator, a variety of seating choices, new and restored furniture, updated restrooms, restored bookshelves, improved lighting and new landscaping will be among the improvements made at the branch.

Currently, there are three other branch libraries that are closed for renovation - Marina, Sunset and West Portal. The Branch Library Improvement Program includes plans to renovate 19 branches, replace four leased facilities with City-owned branches, and construct a new branch in Mission Bay. The Excelsior Branch Library was the first branch to be renovated under this program and reopened on July 9, 2005.

While the Noe Valley branch is under construction, the Library will provide interim services starting a few weeks following the closure including:

• Bookmobile service on Elizabeth Street near Diamond (in front of St. Phillip’s School) in the white zone on Monday and Wednesday, 10:30 a.m. – 1 p.m.
• Pre-School Storytimes and Lapsits weekly – location pending
• Extended hours at Eureka Valley Branch Library, 3555 16th St.
• Hold materials will be routed to the Mission Branch Library. Patrons can designate an alternate pickup location through the Library’s web site (www.sfpl.org), or make the request at the service desk of any branch.

For more information on interim services, call (415) 557- 4353.

History of the Noe Valley/Sally Brunn Branch Library

Noe Valley/Sally Brunn Branch Library was the seventh branch established in the San Francisco Public Library system. The first Noe Valley Branch building was located at 1308 Castro Street. In 1912, Andrew Carnegie granted the city $750,000 to build new libraries. Soon after, work on the present Noe Valley Branch Library was begun. The building, two-story and with a Spanish-style façade of brick and terra cotta, was completed Sept.17, 1916, at a cost of $45,499, including furnishings. The architect was John Reid, Jr.

Like many Carnegie buildings, the Noe Valley Branch features many embellishments, including a grand marble staircase, decorated high ceilings and bold Roman lettering on its façade. Housed in a triangular pediment above the library’s ornate front entranceway is the Latin inscription, “Vita Sine Literis Mors Est,” (Life without Literature is Death).

The Branch was renamed the Noe Valley/Sally Brunn Branch Library in February 1992, in honor of Sally Brunn, a longtime library supporter.

For more information on the branch renovation, call the Library’s Chief of Branches at (415) 557-4353; or the Branch Library Improvement Program at (415) 557-4354; or visit the Library’s web site at www.sfpl.org.