COMMENTARY
May 16, 2007

Del Mar Library Expansion Will Increase Useable Public Space

by County Supervisor Pam Slater-Price

Ever circle a parking lot desperate for a spot to open up? Then you know what it’s like to wait to use a computer at the Del Mar library.

Library equipment and space are at a premium.  When it’s time to present a children’s program, librarians displace other children who are reading or using the computers. They even need to move furniture. Besides the space issue, the sound volume of the programs disturbs other customers of the space-strapped library. 

Expansion is needed. So I have partnered with the Friends of the Library and the Del Mar City Council on an expansion project. Former Councilman Jerry Finnell received unanimous approval for the variance needed to allow construction. I fought for $200,000 in County Community Projects funds to enclose the 460 square-foot patio/terrace that faces 10th Street . The Friends will dedicate $50,000. The county will oversee construction under the watchful eye of the city manager.

Enclosing the patio will make it an integral part of the charming 4,700 square-foot historic building.  The extra 10 percent in space will be dedicated to children and other library programs, community meetings, and storage, with easy-to-clean surfaces.

Mindful of the historic value of the library, a pitched roof and wood casement windows will match the beautiful existing architecture. In a nod to the environment and energy savings, we will install a retractable sky light. 

The addition will feature a sink, heating and air-conditioning.  Entrance to this room from the library will be through locking double doors. If structural criteria can be met, an additional door would open to the outside, so the room can be used when the library is closed. The double doors will muffle the sound of children’s programs.  

The Del Mar City Council bought the historic 1914 St. James Church in 1993 and it was remodeled in October 1996. The Friends raised $500,000 for the renovation. Although it is a city library, those friendly librarians are county employees. Over 28,500 volumes and top of the line equipment come from the county library system. The library provides 12 computer stations with Internet access, and a wide variety of informational data bases. Through a new county program library patrons can access the resources of four area university libraries as well.

One thing is clear: Del Mar residents are library lovers. Almost 10,000 adults and over 1,000 children have library cards. Last year customers checked out close to 75,000 items.  The wonderful Friends and generous Del Mar residents volunteer time and donate money to the library. Residents enthusiastically attend programs, speakers’ bureau, and other library events.

Clearly, you love your library. As I see it, you pay taxes and deserve the best library service. This expansion will help us give you just that.

For those of you who worship books, it is fitting perhaps that the library was once a church. Worship there is acceptable. In partnership with the City of Del Mar, and the Del Mar Friends of the Library, I am working to improve your library service. 

County Supervisor Pam Slater-Price’s district includes Del Mar.