Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1283918
Locally made replica historic lights are reflected in the newly varnished reading room floor of the original library entry. Inset: Exterior of original façade in 1908. Photo: Donna Martin P acific Grove boasts an original Carnegie Library, the last library of its kind in Monterey County. Since its 1908 construction, there have been various improvements to bet- ter accommodate its ever-growing patronage. For the building's 110th birthday, though, the City of Pacific Grove joined with the library's nonprofit support groups, the Friends and the Foundation, and undertook a truly major reno- vation. This project zeroed in on enhancing the space, furnishings, energy and ADA compliance, and adding much-needed technological bells and whistles to the facility, bringing this vener- able 20th-century edifice smartly into the 21st. Because the library is such a community hub, the city ensured that services continued during the months-long construction. 180 carts of books were moved to rented space in the Holman Building downtown. Though successful, this location was shuttered due to COVID-19. Architect Karin Payson and Avila Construction of Monterey collaborated well, completing the $2.1M project on time and within budget. Move-in to the transformed site is now complete. Library Manager Diana Godwin looks forward to greeting patrons soon, inviting them to experience for themselves the result of this yeoman effort, the stellar renovation of Pacific Grove's historic-yet-now-modern library. The Pacific Grove Public Library is located at 550 Central Avenue in Pacific Grove. For more information, please go to pacificgrovelibrary.org. A Brand-New Chapter B Y M A R T Y M E E D U N N SHORTCUTS AT LARGE 66 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R / F A L L 2 0 2 0