HUNTINGTON BEACH : Planners Approve New Library Wing

What city officials describe as the largest library wing in the state for children has been approved for Huntington Central Library.

The Planning Commission this week unanimously approved adding the $5-million wing. Unless that vote is appealed to the City Council within 10 days, construction can begin on the 26,476-square-foot addition to the library at Talbert Avenue near Golden West Street.

Given the overwhelming support the project has received from city officials, residents and businesses, library director Ron Hayden said he doubts that a council hearing will be called.

Along with the children’s library, the wing will include an expanded bookstore, a small theater, a video and computer center and a new entry. Some outdoor fountains will also be reconfigured.

About $2.5 million of the project’s cost will be paid for by fund raising, with the remainder covered by federal and state grants and the city, Hayden said.

The library is expected to open in fall, 1992.

The building’s look will reflect the design of the existing library designed by Richard Neutra, whom city officials call “a master architect.”

The only public criticism came from Barbara Milkovich, a resident involved in many historic preservation efforts. She called the design “a travesty” that “violates the integrity of a major cultural resource.”

However, city officials and other residents lauded the architect, Neill Noble. “This is a masterful design,” resident Claire Hansen said.

Planning for the second phase of the library’s expansion--a $2-million, 13,656-square-foot addition anchored by a 340-seat auditorium--will continue while construction begins on the first project, Hayden said.

Before the second phase is built, commissioners will consider new parking. The expansion’s third phase calls for Talbert Avenue to be realigned and widened.

However, the land planned for the Talbert realignment was recently discovered to be tainted with high levels of methane, which may preclude the city’s building a road over it.