The Friends of the Mission Hills-Hillcrest Branch Library will have a booth at the Old Town San Diego Art Festival. A used book sale, along with architectural renderings of the new Mission Hills-Hillcrest Brank Library will also be on display. See you at the Old Town San Diego Art Festival, September 22-23, 2007. Remember to visit the Friends of the Mission Hills-Hillcrest Branch Library.

After years of planning, meetings with the City, and much waiting, a new library is in the works for Mission Hills, Hillcrest, Old Town, Middle Town, Bankers Hill and Park West creating an opportunity to design the kind of public gathering space sorely needed for our community. In 2003, the City purchased a lot at the corner of Washington and Front streets. The City, architects, artist, library staff, Friends of the Mission Hills-Hillcrest Branch Library, and the community are in the process of designing a 15,000-square-foot building, to include underground parking, community meeting rooms and a 21st century technology infrastructure.

In 2005, the City Council authorized funds for the architectural firm Mosher, Drew, Watson & Ferguson to begin the design process. They began a series of community meetings in November. At the gatherings attendees identified major functions, critical needs and design considerations for the library. They also chose (from three ideas presented by the architect) an interior concept featuring a library on the first floor with two levels of underground parking. The December 15th meeting featured a presentation about potential parking problems. The architect suggested using historical materials and details in contemporary design. Our library can be reminiscent of the past, yet create a legacy for the future and serve as a catalyst for positive change in our community.

The architects are now working with the City to complete the final design proposal. The last community meeting will take place this summer. Plan to attend. Community involvement is crucial!

Back to the Future? Here’s a little 92103 library history: In 1950 The Hillcrest-Mission Hills Branch Library opened at West Washington and Goldfinch Streets. Eleven years later (in 1961) Mission Hills Branch Library opened across the street to the south. When Mission Hills-Hillcrest Branch Library opens (2008?), the name will have come full circle with the community names reunited – but in reverse order.

Join Friends of the Mission Hills-Hillcrest Branch Library in this challenging venture. Call the Library at (619) 692-4910 or stop by 925 West Washington Street for a membership form. Go to www.library92103.org for more information.

Alyce Archuleta, Friend
Mission Hills-Hillcrest Branch Library