Donna Corbeil gestures toward the new book sorting machine that was installed in the North Branch library in 2012. All the new branches have these machines, which has greatly improved the efficiency of returning books and getting them back on the shelves. Photo: Frances Dinkelspiel Donna Corbeil, who oversaw the renovation and reconstruction of Berkeley’s […]
Concerned Library Users
Posted inCity
Lawsuit yields money for historic preservation in Berkeley
Concerned Library Users did not want Berkeley to tear down the old South Branch because they and others considered it historically significant. It was demolished and rebuilt. The settlement funds from a suit filed by the group will go towards other historic buildings. Berkeley residents may soon see the fruits of a legal settlement between […]
Posted inCommunity, Events
New South Branch of Berkeley library to open on May 11
The façade of the South Branch in February. Photo: Berkeley Public Library Fourteen months after it was closed and torn down, the new South Branch of the Berkeley Public Library will reopen on Saturday May 11. At 12:30 p.m. local officials and library supporters will gather for a ribbon cutting ceremony at 1901 Russell Street, […]
Posted inCity
Critic of Berkeley library bond issue files more lawsuits
The North Branch of the Berkeley Public Library recently reopened after a $5.9 million remodel. Photo: Nancy Rubin The woman who was the only named member of the group in a citizen’s lawsuit against Berkeley’s use of library bond funds has filed a number of lawsuits against her critics. Judith Epstein, who is part of […]
Posted inCity
Berkeley settles contentious library lawsuit
The city of Berkeley has reached an agreement with Concerned Library Users over a lawsuit the group filed to stop the demolition and rebuilding of the South and West branches of the Berkeley Public Library. In a closed session on Tuesday evening, the city council voted to settle the lawsuit by creating a $100,000 fund […]
Posted inCity
Library architect apologizes to Berkeley
Todd Jersey’s vision for a renovated West Branch of the Berkeley Public Library. The architect who worked with Concerned Library Users, the group suing Berkeley to stop the demolition and rebuilding of the south and west branch libraries, has sent an apology for his actions to the City Council and city manager. In a letter […]
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Berkeleyans rally to move forward on library renovations
Rachel Anderson joined the rally Tuesday evening outside City Hall. Photos: Tracey Taylor Around 100 people turned out to a rally outside city hall Tuesday evening to express their support of continuing planned renovations to two Berkeley libraries, despite a lawsuit which argues that the city does not have the right to tear down and […]
Posted inCity
Rally planned to draw attention to library lawsuit
Benjamin Bartlett has helped BHS students organize against CLU lawsuit Dozens of church leaders, community activists, students, and library supporters plan to stage a rally outside city hall on Tuesday to call attention to a lawsuit they believe could stop construction of new libraries in the southern and western parts of Berkeley. The group, which […]
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Debate on future of two city libraries sparks concerns
Architect's rendering of the proposed new West Branch Library. Architects: Harley Ellis Devereaux A special joint meeting of Berkeley’s Zoning Adjustments Board (ZAB) and the Landmark Preservation Commission tonight will consider the final environmental impact reports (EIR) on the South and West branch libraries and their planned demolition. The plans approved by the Board of […]
Posted inCity
Say ‘adieu’ to the North and Claremont branch libraries
North Branch Library Even though no firm date has been set for the closure of the Claremont and North Branch libraries, Berkeley is throwing a bon voyage party for the two buildings. Library patrons and residents are invited to say goodbye (albeit temporarily) to the structures as they are shuttered and extensively remodeled. The party […]
Posted inCity
Berkeley reaches partial settlement with library critics
Interior of the Claremont branch library. Berkeley and a group called Concerned Library Users have reached a partial settlement of a lawsuit that threatened to delay the reconstruction of the city’s branch libraries. The City Council voted Monday evening to accept a legal settlement that requires it to repeal an ordinance passed in July. That […]
Posted inCity
$1 million for branch libraries; lawsuit pending
Interior of the Claremont branch library Just months before renovations begin on two of Berkeley’s branch libraries, the Neighborhood Library Campaign announced that it has raised more than $1 million — almost a third of its $3.5 million goal — for the restoration work. The funds will be used to repair the oak furniture in […]
