Home >  Local News >  Neighborhoods

Wednesday, December 04, 2002

By Jackie Day

A cadre of Brookline residents at a public meeting last week waded in with one last say regarding changes to the Carnegie Library branch's $2 million renovation project set to begin soon.

Architects Loysen & Associates led the last in a series of public input sessions that have helped shape the contemporary, multilevel designs presented to replace the current overcrowded, one-floor space at 708 Brookline Blvd.

"We really wanted this building to stand as a focal point along the district," said architect Sallyann Kluz, pointing to sketches that transform the 1970s-style structure into an urban library Mecca. "We took the approach of a more contemporary theme."

Proposed renovations boast a cathedral-ceiling entrance, a colorful living-room reading space with overstuffed couches, bay windows and skylights, an additional lower-level children's section and meeting space, an elevator and extended technology centers.

Most design themes were welcomed by the crowd, including birch wood samples which Kluz said would be introduced throughout the interior, along with composition-book linoleum floors, red carpeting and brightly colored furniture against pastel wall paints.

Residents criticized the metal "security gate"-style awnings presented for use above the large exterior pane windows that will replace the current yellow brick facade.

"This looks like it could be in any suburb, in any town, even New Jersey," said resident Harrison Flakker. "This screams out 'Brookline is trying to be hip and new.' "

Flakker said he and his wife moved to Brookline from New Jersey and chose the area because of the buildings' character and charm.

Other residents opposed to the metal designs disagreed with Flakker's request for a more historical restoration approach, saying the community expects the building to look "new" following the nearly $2 million overhaul.

Kluz said the firm will look at different awning materials that not only serve an aesthetic purpose but help diffuse lighting into the cathedral ceiling entrance and reading space.

Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin early next year, said Craig A. Dunham, manager of the Carnegie's long-term renovation project for all seven neighborhood branch locations.

A total of $15 million in Regional Asset District funds has been allocated toward the Carnegie's $80 million capital improvement program.

Dunham said improvements to the Brookline and Homestead branches will serve as a model for upcoming fund-raising efforts to complete the additional branch renovations.

Because of the heavy construction required to complete renovations, the library will not reopen its doors for use until the project is completed by the middle of next year, said Jane E. Dayton, assistant director of the Carnegie.

Instead of establishing a temporary library site, the Brookline staff will take services out into the community through local service organizations and centers not yet fully established.

They encourage residents to visit neighboring branch locations or other suburban libraries during construction. After extensive research, they chose to invest the additional $50,000 allocated for temporary relocation back into the renovation work. In order to remain "fair," Dayton said, the Carnegie will take the same approach with all branch renovations.

"We understand this will be inconvenient," she said, "but we need to focus on the long-term benefits of the library."

Jackie Day is a freelance writer.