Back in 2015, PVLD started the process to investigate the viability of building a Teen Annex on the roof of the Peninsula Center Library. After working for the next three years on a proposed design and location, we had to acknowledge the project was too cost-prohibitive and the rooftop location too fraught with structural challenges. With great reluctance, we made the hard decision to turn away from that first design and brainstorm other options on our property that would give us the same results within a more affordable budget.
After reviewing a series of proposed options, staff determined the most viable area for a new Teen Annex would be to utilize a portion of the 4th-floor interior mezzanine level currently being used for quiet study. By using only a portion of this floor, we could create an interior Teen Annex of approximately the same square footage as the previously proposed rooftop design and at a fraction of the cost, while still leaving space for quiet study.
We met with our architect who created preliminary drawings that included all the parameters we asked for, in particular, full soundproofing for the space. With this information, our contractor was able to provide an itemized estimate that fell well within our current budget. We are comfortable with this estimate as our contractor has been with us from the beginning, offering advice and insight throughout the process.
Staff has reviewed the location with the Board of Library Trustees and the Friends of the Library board members. The Trustees agreed to the proposed new location and directed staff to continue the construction bidding process. The drawings have been approved by the Rolling Hills Estates Planning Department and the LA County Building Department as of March 17th.
A Request for Proposal and been created and solicited from multiple construction firms. Construction is estimated to take approximately 6 months with a completion date of Fall 2022.
Unfortunately, due to an unexpected water intrusion incident, the Teen Annex across the street had to be closed. Thankfully, the Young Readers and Teen Services teams are confident they can provide exceptional teen services within the library itself until the new Teen Annex is constructed.
We want to thank the Peninsula Friends of the Library and all our community donors for your patience and unwavering support for this project. We can't wait to see this new Annex completed and know it's going to be a wonderful addition to the library and an asset to the community and our patrons!