The new Washington Manor Branch Library links a residential area with a small, vibrant commercial district in the heart of an ethnically diverse urban community. The challenge was to meet the community’s needs ─ including a robust collection, computer stations, community program room, children’s and teen spaces, group study space, and parking ─ on a compact site.

The library’s design is modern, dynamic, warm, and inviting. A butterfly roof, inclined steel columns, and glass walls maximize interior open space and daylighting, define interior space layout, and support wayfinding.

The plan is a study of efficiency, flexibility, and functionality. Express checkout stations, logical spatial relationships, and clear circulation paths maximize customer self-sufficiency. The main service desk and staff work room have excellent visibility of public areas. The community program room has its own prominent entrance.

Group 4 preceded the Manor Branch project with a systemwide library facilities master plan for San Leandro, and supported the library project with grantwriting assistance that helped secure $3.8 million for the project.