Project
The Rockridge Library was under construction, with a groundbreaking ceremony shown in a photograph featuring the State Librarian, Library Director, former and current councilmembers, and RCPC leadership. The article described the library as 'An RCPC and Neighborhood Triumph.'
College Avenue and Manila Avenues
The Library Committee was working to establish an assessment district to help fund construction of a new Rockridge Branch Library on the Art Stone property at College and Manila Avenues. The City was negotiating purchase of the corner property to secure a larger library and parking area.
Library Committee moving toward establishing an assessment district to fund the new library; planning a petition drive to put the question on the November 1990 ballot. Assessment expected to be no more than $25 per year per household for up to 30 years.
Library Assessment District petition drive exceeded its goal, collecting 1,214 signatures against a target of 1,000. City Council Cultural Services committee approved the assessment district proposal for full Council vote on April 17, with a May 8 vote on proceeding with district formation and November ballot measure expected.
Measure L passed with an overwhelming 81.6% yes vote, proving community support for a new Rockridge Branch Library. Community entering a new phase of the library campaign, working with the Library Department on the State Proposition 85 construction funds application. City librarian noted the library should be built in about two years.
The Rockridge Library was under construction, with a groundbreaking ceremony shown in a photograph featuring the State Librarian, Library Director, former and current councilmembers, and RCPC leadership. The article described the library as 'An RCPC and Neighborhood Triumph.'
“The election results are conclusive! Measure L passed with a 'yes' vote of 81.6%, proving the Rockridge community wants, and is willing to help pay for, a new Rockridge Branch Library.”1990_11 - Front page article: Hurray For Rockridge Voters!
“Digging in to create a new Rockridge library are, from left, State of California Librarian Kevin Starr, Library Director Martin Gomez, former Councilmember Marge Gibson Haskell, Councilmember Sheila Jordan, Neighbors for a Rockridge Library chair Nancy Dutcher, and RCPC chair Mary MacDonald.”1995_03 - Photo caption, front page
“Plans are still evolving for the Library. Purchase of the corner property will assure a larger library and larger parking area for commercial and library use as well as some open space. The City is currently negotiating this purchase.”1989_05 - Library Committee update
“Buoyed by encouraging library survey results, the Library Committee is moving toward setting up an assessment district to help fund the new library.”1990_01 - Library Committee Begins Campaign For Signatures
“The Library Assessment District petitions are in... and we've gone over our goal. We had aimed for 1,000 signatures — somewhat more than 10% of the 9,065 registered voters within the assessment district boundaries. As of April 7, 1,214 signatures have been collected.”1990_04 - Library Petitions Exceed Goal, by Nancy Dutcher