Community brief

Lakewood library project moves forward

The City of Sunnyvale, Sunnyvale School District (SSD), and Fremont Union High School District (FUHSD) have approved the design for a new branch library and learning center in the Lakewood neighborhood. The 20,000-squarefoot facility will be located on approximately 2.15 acres on the site of the closed pool of the Lakewood Elementary School property.

The three agencies partnered on the plans and cost sharing for the new facility. The city is leasing the site from the elementary district for 50 years, with an option of an additional 25 years for total cost of $1 over the term of the lease.

Both school districts will contribute $3 million toward construction, while the city is responsible for the design, bidding and construction management.

Intended to be a hub for learners of all ages, the library will feature children, teen and adult library sections; after-hours space to collect reserved materials; flexible program rooms for

SSD and FUHSD students; reservable rooms for studying, meetings and events; spaces to support technology and multimedia learning; a maker space; a family space and children’s play area; bike parking and electric vehicle car charging stations.

The project is scheduled to begin construction in fall 2022, with opening planned for spring 2024. The current estimate for design and construction is approximately $28.3 million.

The elementary district will contribute 10 percent and the high school district 15 percent of ongoing operations, staffing and maintenance costs.

For more information, visit https://sunnyvale. ca.gov/business/projects/ lakewoodlibrary.htm.