Altadena, Calif., March 10, 2022 – The Altadena Library District is excited to announce that planning and design are underway for the multi-year project to modernize and improve its Main Library and Bob Lucas Memorial Library buildings.
The District is working with capital project manager Rachlin Partners and Anderson Brulé Architects (ABA), an architecture firm that specializes in the creation of thriving community resources, and libraries in particular, to lead these efforts.
“We are so excited to be working with ABA to reimagine our libraries for future Altadenans,” says Library Director Nikki Winslow. “We will be able to offer more public-facing spaces with study spaces and meeting rooms, making these facilities true community hubs.”
“Our libraries have served as a key resource for Altadena for almost 55 years,” says Altadena Library District Trustee and Chair of the Facilities Committee Jason Capell. “Through these renovations, our library facilities will become more accessible, more sustainable and more flexible. We look forward to being able to address the future needs of the community for the next 55 years.”
ABA established its commitment to the Altadena libraries and community two years ago when Design Principal Mark Schoeman, AIA, and his team guided library staff in exploring improvement concepts during a 2020 design charrette for the Library Journal's Design Institute. Building on that collaboration and extensive experience, ABA will play a vital role in preparing the libraries for the next generation of service and community engagement.
"Throughout the design process, we're paying attention to the collections, technology and all the essential elements that make a library work well," says Schoeman, who brings 30+ years of experience. "But our most important task, based on feedback from the library staff and the Altadena community, is to transform these library buildings into truly inclusive and universally accessible resources for a wide variety of stakeholder groups."
ABA is nationally recognized for its leadership in planning and designing libraries and developing forward-looking library service and operational models. Recent projects include:
The interior renovation project for Sonoma County's Roseland Regional Library, a long-awaited community asset that opened in Fall 2021 to much celebration by Roseland residents
The El Gabilan Library for the City of Salinas, a recently completed replacement building that provides a safe, accessible and inclusive community space that supports curiosity and life-long learning.
The District appreciates ABA’s expertise and enthusiasm and looks forward to completing projects that will serve as a model for library services and spaces. “This is a once in a generation opportunity,” says Winslow. “We’re thrilled ABA has such a strong background in maintaining the historical integrity of buildings while creating truly inclusive environments where everyone feels welcome as they are learning, growing and thriving together.”
About Altadena Library District
For over 90 years, the Altadena Library District has been bringing people and ideas together for an Altadena where all are learning, growing, and thriving together. More information about Altadena Library District is available at www.altadenalibrary.org.
About Anderson Brulé Architects, Inc.
Founded in 1984 in San Jose, California with an office in Claremont, California, ABA brings nearly four decades of experience and passion for architecture, innovation in design and a commitment to the transformation of the architectural profession. ABA provides a complete and comprehensive suite of services in strategic planning, architecture and interiors. ABA operates within its primary markets of Community, Residential, Health and Wellness, and Education to create sustainable environmental models and spaces, please visit www.aba-arch.com.
