Library Feasibility Study — Hoover Branch
From 2016 the Friends of the Hoover Durant Public Library have been campaigning to Bring Back Our Library.
LOCATION
Oakland, CA
YEAR
2024 to 2026
SIZE
8,000 - 12,000 SF
STATUS
Complete
Context
Historically, there were several libraries at various locations in the Hoover-Foster neighborhood of West Oakland. Today, no such library exists, and community members have been working diligently to restore a new branch library. The primary objective of the Feasibility Study is to investigate appropriate locations for the new Hoover Branch Library, in accordance with the City of Oakland Public Library (OPL), Master Facilities Plan, 2006.
The main questions explored: What are the program elements, space-use strategies, cost implications and economic considerations in locating, building and operating a new branch library in the Hoover Foster catchment area.
How will Artificial Intelligence impact Library Design?
One foreseeable affect is the comparative low cost of AI narration is likely to increase the number of audio books published annually, with the consequential benefit of improved collection accessibility universally.
Digital text and digital subscriptions points to the need for smaller physical structures; but also raises the question how to accommodate always-available "reference" material.
Approach
The recommendations and conclusions of the Hoover Branch Library Feasibility Study were the result of an extensive Research and Community Engagement process which included:
- •Community Input - Surveys - Paper, Online and In-person, StreetLABs, Community Group Workshops for Adults and Youth and Video-Interviews
- •Data Sources - Review of Government Data, Social and Environmental Data, Library Data Sources and Global Library and Community space trends.
- •Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats (SWOT) Analyses of 3 existing branch library - Rockridge, Cesar Chavez and 81st Street Branch Libraries.
Credits
Recognition
Recommended funds to continue to Site Pre-Purchase Due Diligence
Funding
City of Oakland Measure KK bond