Councilman David Alvarez and Mayor Kevin Faulconer broke ground Friday for a new $13.5 million library in San Ysidro to replace a building that is nearly a century old.
“When I was elected, building a library for the growing San Ysidro community became a top priority of mine,” said Alvarez, who spearheaded fundraising efforts. “I was proud to work with the community to secure the site and funding for this long-awaited project.”
Located at Seaward Avenue and Beyer Boulevard, the new 15,000-square-foot, energy-efficient San Ysidro Branch Library will feature modern amenities.
The design includes an outdoor reading patio and movie screen, public art, a teen center, study areas, computer lab, multi-purpose room and accommodations for persons with disabilities.
The city purchased land for the library in 2015 and will contribute $12 million to the project. Philanthropists and former San Ysidro residents Lloyd and Caroline de Llamas contributed $1.5 million.
The library will mark the third new branch library — after a decade without any — to undergo construction since Faulconer took office.
“This is all about opening doors to opportunity and a brighter future,” Faulconer said. “This new branch library has been a long time coming for the San Ysidro community.”
The new library is scheduled to open in the summer of 2019.