Join us we renovate, recreate and renew our library, strengthening our century-long commitment to learning and literacy...
For more than a century, the Burlingame Library has been a cornerstone of our community - a place to learn, to read and to share, an institution created and supported by the people of our town. Now it’s our turn to strengthen and renew this vital institution. To remain relevant and vital, our library needs to adapt to the times. Renovation of the building will provide the community with more meeting spaces, greater access to technology, a room for teens, a cafe, bookstore and more.In light of the Burlingame Library’s ever expanding role in the information age, current spaces are inadequate.
People study and use the library differently than they did in the past: they study together, engage with tutors or mentors, and take classes on job hunting, college admissions, computer skills, robotics, and much more. They also make good use of soundproof spaces for conferencing.
The Burlingame Library is no longer only a place to search for information; it has become a place for cultural enrichment and lifelong learning.
Find out what's happening in Burlingame-Hillsboroughfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
While designed to address the changing needs of current library patrons, the project will also provide the flexibility to meet the needs of the future. The plans include: a dedicated technology learning lab with 21 additional computers all with high speed bandwidth, a screen with video conferencing capability, an expanded teen area with 8 computers, lounge seating, group study tables and a dedicated study room that seats 6, three additional group study rooms with built in technology, a large meeting room with a projector screen and video conferencing capabilities, a café, a dedicated Foundation book store, and an automated check-in system.
While this project will enable the Library to maximize the usage of its space for many years to come, it’s the Library patrons – people just like you – that make our Library the special place that it is. We invite you to join us in support of this very important campaign. Whether it be cash, stock, or a pledge of support, every contribution matters as we come together as a community to make the Burlingame Library our symbol of literary and learning excellence.
What work is being done?
Main Level: Expanded teen room with computers dedicated for teen use, comfortable cafe, used book store, additional computers in the Children’s Room, movable shelving in the Children’s Room to accommodate large programs, efficient digital check-in system, media room for DVDs, CDs, Books on CD, and public computers
Lower Level: Technology lab with computers for classes, two large group study rooms with LCD screens Additional comfortable seating, public computers
Upper Level: Meeting room for community groups and businesses with built-in technology, Dedicated PCs and data ports Additional comfortable seating, two group study rooms with flat panel LCD screens
Why do we need to update our Library?
We need to use our space more efficiently, so that we can offer more resources and services to our patrons.We are proud to report that our circulation of books continues to grow even as e-books and computers have gained importance in our patrons’ lives.
Teens and children are borrowing 25% more items than just 3 years ago and our collection of books is larger and better than ever! The Burlingame Library is still revered by local teachers and heavily utilized by the community at large.
What will it cost?
The Project is estimated to cost approximately $3.5 million. The Library Foundation, working in partnership with the Board of Trustees, has agreed to raise $1 million of the needed funds and the city will finance the remaining $2.5 million.
The project will be sent out to bid in January 2014 and construction is expected to begin in the spring 2014.
The Library will remain open throughout the course of the project and the work will be completed one floor at a time in order to minimize disruption to Library patrons.
Will the Library close during construction? How long will it take?
No, we will renovate one floor at a time to minimize impact on the public. Work is slated to begin in Spring 2014 and is expected to be complete by Winter 2015.
How can I help?
- Receive a naming recognition opportunity with a contribution of $50,000 or more
- Team up with friends, book club members, or co-workers to make a special donation
- Support the capital campaign with a pledge
- Check with your employer to request a matching gift
- Give a gift in honor of the memory of someone. A donation at the $1,000 or more level will be listed on the Burlingame Library Foundation Donation Wall
How to Contribute:
1. Please complete a remittance form, print and sign it, and mail it to our office with your check.
2. Make a donation with a credit card. (However, you will save the foundation 3-4% in credit card processing fees by paying with a check or donation of appreciated securities)
3. Pledge your support today and make your contributions over time, we invite you to submit a pledge form by downloading here and returning to the email below.
For more information, please contact:Patty Anixter, Campaign ChairVice President, Burlingame Library Foundation patty@burlingamelibraryfoundation.org
By the Numbers (over the last year)
7.94 – percent increase in circulation at the Easton Branch
21 - average number of items checked out per capita in Burlingame and Hillsborough
Find out what's happening in Burlingame-Hillsboroughfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
50 - average number of children’s items checked out per child in Burlingame and Hillsborough. The average number of children’s items checked out in the state of California is 12.
80% – of our population have a library card
1,095 – Children and teens completing the Summer Reading Program
1,200 — Average number of daily visitors to the main library
5,357 – Elementary, middle, and high school students reached through class visits by Burlingame Library librarians
10,577 — Books read by all ages during “Summer Reading” programs
11,961 — Attendees at children’s story time
17,928 — New items added to the library collection
74,065 — Total number of times our public computers were used
234,287—Items in the library collection
338,254— Total number of Children and Young Adult Items checked out
431,774 – Number of visits to the library
761,795—Total circulation for the year which was 6% over last year and an all-time high!
The circulation of Children’s materials has gone up 24.71% in the last 3 years!
