Media Contacts:
Katie Woods, Communications Manager
San Mateo County Libraries
(650) 556-5209
Matthew Chidester, Deputy City Manager
Half Moon Bay
(628) 726-8272
Half Moon Bay, CA – After two years of construction, and many more years of diligent planning and development, the new Half Moon Bay Library is nearly ready to open its doors and offer a new world of transformative experiences through learning, making and exploration.
New Half Moon Bay Library Grand Opening
Saturday, August 18, 2018 – Ceremony at 10 am
620 Correas Street, Half Moon Bay, opens a new window
The community is invited to join together with members of the Half Moon Bay City Council, opens a new window and San Mateo County Board of Supervisors, opens a new window, San Mateo County Libraries staff, special guests, library supporters, Friends, and neighbors for this festive grand opening event. After hearing from several of the library champions who were instrumental in bringing this facility to the community, the new coastside library will officially open with a special ribbon cutting ceremony. Then, everyone is invited to explore the new building, see all the wonderful amenities, and participate in featured programming throughout the day. The new library has been built through a partnership between the City of Half Moon Bay, opens a new window, San Mateo County Libraries, and the County of San Mateo, opens a new window, with assistance from the Friends of the Half Moon Bay Library, opens a new window, and the support of the community.
“The new Half Moon Bay Library is something the entire coastside has been looking forward to for years,” said Half Moon Bay Mayor Deborah Penrose. “With its many new, up-to-date amenities and wonderful spaces, the new library is a place for community members to join together, share new experiences, and expand their horizons.”
The total cost of bringing this coastside gem to its new home is approximately $25 million. Approximately 50% of the project is funded by the City of Half Moon Bay, with the other 50% coming from the County, including $500,000 in funds from Measure K, opens a new window, a half-cent countywide sales tax approved by local voters to support essential County services and to maintain or replace critical facilities. Additional funds came from the San Mateo County Libraries, Friends of the Half Moon Bay Library, and other donors.
“The new Half Moon Bay Library will be a wonderful addition to the City of Half Moon Bay as well as to the overall San Mateo County Libraries system. This project is a great example of collaboration and cooperation between the city and county governments to address a common need for an upgrade in library services,” said San Mateo County Supervisor Don Horsley. “I am confident this world-class facility will add to the quality and livability of Half Moon Bay and the coastside, providing expanded library services within a strikingly modern, efficient and gorgeous building. I congratulate all who worked so hard to realize this magnificent vision.”
Answering the Coastside community’s desire to have a library with a soul, the brand new two-story, 22,000 square foot Half Moon Bay Library is designed to be the center of the community and a place for people of all ages to feel at home with access to resources and information. The design of the building celebrates the small town feel of Half Moon Bay, reflecting the beach and agricultural roots—simultaneously, using materials that will hold up to the coastal environment. The building is built to be cozy, warm and inviting—with a design strategy that ensures it will be light and bright inside for generations to come.
Exciting library features include:
- An expanded collection of materials, from bilingual books and DVDs, to streaming movies and WiFi hotspots
- A collaborative makerspace that includes 3D printers, a high-performance laser cutter, GoPro camera kits, and sewing, quilting, and embroidery machines
- Ample access to technology, including 24 desktop computers and 42 laptops
- An expansive children's room with a special children's entry and four interactive play columns that reflect forces in nature in the sky, land, and sea that are the heartbeat of the community
- A quiet reading room that is acoustically separated and designed for reading and individual work
- A dedicated and flexible teen room that has direct access to the makerspace
- Several small study rooms and a large Community Room that accommodates over 100 people
- Indoor/outdoor connections with large windows, and doors to the library courtyard and gardens
- The building is LEED Silver and is projected to be net-zero energy
The August 18 Grand Opening ceremony for the Half Moon Bay Library will open a new chapter in bringing the community together, and the facility will serve the people of Half Moon Bay and the coastside for generations to come. All are invited to be part of this memorable day in celebration of a monumental accomplishment.
About San Mateo County Libraries
San Mateo County Libraries is a Joint Powers Authority that comprises the cities of Atherton, Belmont, Brisbane, East Palo Alto, Foster City, Half Moon Bay, Millbrae, Pacifica, Portola Valley, San Carlos, Woodside, and the unincorporated areas of San Mateo County. San Mateo County Libraries ignite growth through transformative experiences. Visit smcl.org for information about our extensive digital and physical collections, twelve community libraries, Bookmobile, Lookmobile and the 12,000+ workshops, classes, concerts, readings, and other activities offered annually.
About Half Moon Bay
Located 28 miles south of San Francisco, the City of Half Moon Bay is a community of about 12,500 people, situated on the peninsula between forested hills and some of the most beautiful coastlines that California has to offer. Its historic downtown is home to numerous shops, art galleries, restaurants, bed and breakfasts, and other businesses, and its celebrated beaches and parks are wonders of nature, accessible to pedestrians, bicyclists, and equestrians. With its many activities and events, beautiful natural scenery, old-town charm, and abundance of retail and commercial services, Half Moon Bay is a regional destination. The City’s website is www.hmbcity.com, opens a new window.
