Castro valley library

The Castro Valley Library provides all of this in a green facility that is U.S. Green Building Council LEED® Gold rated. Photo: Sibila Savage 2009

Modern libraries provide not only books, but also public access to the Internet, community gathering spaces, and educational opportunities for youth and adults alike. The Castro Valley Library provides all of this in a green facility that is U.S. Green Building Council LEED® Gold rated.

Green Building Features:

• A 277-kilowatt solar energy installation provides 100% of the library's electricity needs.
• A raised floor system to maximize the energy efficiency of heating and cooling systems
• Energy-efficient lighting and mechanical equipment
• Green power through a purchasing agreement with a vendor that produces energy from renewable sources
• Bay-Friendly landscaping
• Covered bicycle parking
• Paints and sealants that emit low or no volatile organic compounds (VOCs), resulting in improved air quality
• Green cleaning with less-toxic cleaning products
• Recycling
• Water-efficient plumbing fixtures

Partnership with Residents

Years ago, residents of Castro Valley formed the Castro Valley Library Advisory Committee to plan for a new, modern library for their community. The Committee worked closely with County staff to make the new library a reality.

A Creek Sees Daylight

Adjacent to the new Castro Valley Library is Castro Valley Creek. Not long ago, this creek was partially buried in a concrete culvert. The Public Works Agency is bringing the creek back to what it used to be - a sunlit meandering stream lined with trees and plants. Residents can now stroll along the creek from Castro Valley Blvd. to Norbridge Ave. and cross the new pedestrian bridge made from a converted railroad flat car. The bridge connects the library to the opposite side of the creek where children can play at a new playground and learn about nature and science at a creekside amphitheater.

Library Café

The New Beginnings Program is an innovative Alameda County program that prepares youth for a productive future through education and job skills development. The Fresh Start Café public-private partnership with Aramark Food Services is one of the New Beginnings Program's initiatives, with Fresh Start Cafés located in several County buildings. Since October 2009, youth from the Independent Living Skills Program with the Social Services Agency have the opportunity to gain on-the-job training in a supervised environment at the Castro Valley Library's Café.

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Castro Valley Library3600 Norbridge Avenue Castro Valley, CA 94546: The Castro Valley Library serves the residents of Castro Valley and neighboring cities providing modern facilities with, free computers, wifi, and 125,000 Books, CD’s and DVD’s in addition to services and programs for all ages. Spacious meeting rooms are available for community groups to schedule. Additional Features:

• Audio Visual Collection for Children & Adults
• International Language collection
• 58  public computers, wireless Internet access
• Multipurpose Education Center
• 145 parking spaces
• Quiet Reading Area
• Spacious community meeting room
• Castro Valley Library Public Art Catalog
• Cafe, Bookstore, Outdoor Patio and more!
• Cost: $22,276,464 ($13.9 million from State Bond)
• Architect: Noll and Tam, Berkeley, Ca
• Opened October 31, 2009
  View all library facts

Friends of the Castro Valley Library

Friends of the Castro Valley Library is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization serving our community and supporting the Castro Valley Library by providing funds for library services, organizing fund raising and community activities, advocating at the local, state and national level for public support of libraries and developing an active and well-informed membership.

Our BookStore contains over 2500 almost new and used books, audiotapes, CDs and DVDs with a constant turnover of the inventory. Only the best quality of all the donated books are sold in the store. Special books may be sold online through Amazon.com. In addition, each year over 1200 boxes of good quality books and audio-visual materials are put in temporary storage for our three annual weekend Book Sales. Remaining books are donated to deserving organizations and programs throughout Alameda County.

Active Opportunities (1)

• Volunteer, Castro Valley Library's Homework Center

  Flexible Schedule | Castro Valley, CA 94546

  Assist with students in the Homework Center. Volunteers usually work one and a half hours once or twice a week. Hours are available during the following times: Monday through Thursday from 3:30pm to 5:00pm on any day that the Castro Valley Schools are in session.

  Date Posted: Sep 15, 2021

Organization Information

Mission Statement

The Alameda County Library system provides and protects access to books, information and services that promote learning and enjoyment for everyone.

Description

The Vision - The Alameda County Library system will be a model of excellence in library service, with books and other materials, hours, technology and facilities that meet the needs of our communities.

Core Values - Accessibility, Community involvement, Customer service, Diversity, Excellent library collections, Friendly, comfortable libraries, Intellectual freedom, Library staff and volunteers

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