By Khalida Sarwari
A renovated Richmond/Senator Milton Marks branch of the San Francisco Public Library is being unveiled today.
About $13.7 million went into the renovation of the 95-year-old library, which was chosen because of its requirement for seismic strengthening and expansion.
“The Richmond Branch Library is among the most heavily used in the system and serves a vibrant and diverse community,” city librarian Luis Herrera said in a prepared statement. “The integration of new technology in the branch, along with its additional space and materials, will make it a haven for life-long learning, knowledge and recreation for generations to
come.”
The library now features additional square footage, an increased collection of materials, a spacious new 10th Avenue lobby, a teen area and a large program or meeting room.
Richmond was the largest project in the city’s Branch Library Improvement Program, which is funded by a $105.9 million bond measure passed by voters in November 2000 and supports the renovation of branch libraries and construction of new libraries in the city.
Today’s celebration kick offs with lion dancers and musicians and includes a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Mayor Gavin Newsom, who will be joined by Herrera, Supervisor Eric Mar and state Sen. Mark Leno.
The 1 p.m. reopening celebration will be held at 351 Ninth Ave.
Ninth Avenue will be closed between Clement Street and Geary Boulevard while the event is in progress.