After a one-and-a-half-year delay, the renovated Berkeley (Calif.) Public Library is scheduled to reopen April 6.
Understaffing and the complexity of the project—which included restoration of existing areas as well as new construction—slowed its completion, the University of California/Berkeley Daily Californian reported April 5. The delay caused the project to exceed its estimated $30-million budget, which had been approved by a bond in 1996.
Extra costs were covered by interest on a $950,000 loan from city council as well as a $3,000-per-day fine to the construction company. The library foundation also raised more than $4 million to pay for floors, furniture, and computers.
Improvements to the facility include better access for persons with disabilities, earthquake retrofitting, an expanded children’s library, an Internet research classroom, and a 125-seat auditorium for lectures and concerts.
Posted April 8, 2002.