Santa Clara County Library District, City of Campbell, and SV Clean Energy unveil upgraded community facility
Campbell, Calif. – The doors are officially open for the fully renovated, all-electric Campbell Library. On May 9, the Santa Clara County Library District was joined by Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE), the City of Campbell, and the Campbell community to celebrate the grand opening of the beautiful, flexible, all-electric space. The library, originally opened in 1975, now features multiple community meeting spaces, a flood of natural light to both the upper and lower floors, and new energy efficiency measures.
Led by the City of Campbell and funded in large part through the voter-approved Measure O bond, the project reflects a significant investment in community infrastructure and sustainability. The project received a $500,000 Community Grant from SVCE to remove all polluting gas infrastructure and install electric equipment to improve local air quality, building safety and comfort. The Santa Clara County Library District and SVCE were key funding partners on the project, including additional funding provided by the California State Library, and Friends of Campbell Library.
“The new Campbell Library is a welcoming space dedicated to lifelong learning,” said Jennifer Weeks, Santa Clara County Library District County Librarian. “From families coming for storytime, students meeting with their study groups, adults attending programs, or older adults enjoying the vast collection of titles to keep their minds active, the library offers something for every age and interest.”
The upper level of the facility now includes multiple community meeting rooms, a gathering space to browse, read, and enjoy views of the Orchard City Green called “The Overlook”, a dividable Community Room for programs, and a separate children’s room with an early learning play space named “Dreamy Downtown”. Play is the natural way children learn, and this space is specifically designed to build the skills children 0-10 years old need to become successful readers and learners.
The lower level is dedicated to adults and teens with a new collection of materials throughout and many comfortable seating areas to work, study, read, and relax. As opposed to the previous library design, the newly renovated Campbell Library offers a flood of natural light on both floors of the library, thanks to floor-to-ceiling windows.
“Libraries are important gathering and learning spaces for our communities,” said SVCE CEO Monica Padilla. “Campbell and the Library District should be proud of the impact they are making with these all-electric improvements, in both reducing local pollution and saving on energy costs in the long run.”
The all-electric facility features two air source heat pumps in place of gas furnaces and has expanded the HVAC zoning to improve energy efficiency and comfort. The electric upgrades are expected to reduce the library’s energy use by over 30%, lowering energy costs and showcasing the benefits of retrofitting existing buildings with electric improvements. As the City of Campbell continues to advance its Climate and Adaptation Plan to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions and improve community resiliency, the electric upgrades demonstrate progress toward achieving Campbell’s climate goals and a cleaner future.
Nearly 40 percent of pollution in Santa Clara County comes from fossil fuel use in homes and buildings. The SVCE Community Grant Program supports municipalities, schools, and community groups with the resources to make long-lasting, healthy, and energy-efficient changes in their communities. See more SVCE Community Grant funded projects at www.svcleanenergy.org/community-resilience/.
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About the Santa Clara County Library District
The Santa Clara County Library District (SCCLD) promotes lifelong learning, ideas, and cultural enrichment. Founded in 1914, its collection includes more than 2.3 million books, audiobooks, eBooks and extensive online resources accessible from anywhere with an internet connection.
SCCLD includes two bookmobiles, an online library, seven community libraries and one branch library, serving the cities of Campbell, Cupertino, Gilroy, Los Altos, Los Altos Hills, Milpitas, Monte Sereno, Morgan Hill, Saratoga, and the unincorporated areas of Santa Clara County.
Find the Santa Clara County Library District online: www.sccld.org
Like us on Facebook. Look for us on Instagram. We also are on Threads. @SCCLD. You can also find us on YouTube: scclchannel or @SCCLD
Media Contact:
Diane Roche/Erik Sanjurjo
diane.roche@lib.sccgov.org; erik.sanjurjo@lib.sccgov.org
About Silicon Valley Clean Energy
Silicon Valley Clean Energy is a not-for-profit, community-owned agency providing electricity from renewable and clean sources to more than 280,000 residential and commercial customers in 13 Santa Clara County jurisdictions. As a public agency, net revenues are returned to the community to keep rates competitive and promote clean energy programs. Silicon Valley Clean Energy is advancing innovative solutions to fight climate change by decarbonizing the grid, transportation, and buildings. Learn more at SVCleanEnergy.org.
Media Contact
Michaela Pippin, Communications Manager
(408) 549-2690
Michaela.pippin@svcleanenergy.org
