The Pico Branch Library will be the fifth branch of the Santa Monica Public Library system, which will be built at Virginia Avenue Park. It will consist of two single storey buildings facing Pico Boulevard. The buildings will encompass an area of 8,690 square feet, comprising of 7,872 square feet of main area. The main area will accommodate a children’s area; reading areas; public computers and study rooms; and customer support services area.
On the western side, there will be a separate 818 square feet community room for story times and other programs. Plans also involve construction of a small, exterior amphitheater with terraced steps on the community room’s south face.
The building will have dynamic, folded roof with skylights, which will facilitate natural light to permeate the interiors. Along the entrance facade, an overhanging roof and fabric canopy will be built, which will provide shade. There will be provisions for outdoor seating walls.
Construction of the library will adhere to several sustainable practices. The project is being targeted for LEED Silver certification. Completion of the project is targeted for late 2013.
