3 Plans for Library Will Be Unveiled

Conceptual plans for a new $3-million Woodland Hills branch library will be unveiled at a public meeting Thursday evening.

Architect Barton Phelps will present three alternatives--a single-story building and two versions with second stories--one of which would replace the existing library. At 12,500 square feet, the new library would be more than twice as big as the present one.

Another option--expanding the 1962 library without tearing it down--was suggested by members of the Los Angeles Conservancy’s Modern Committee at a public meeting late last year.

“They were concerned to hear it might be demolished,” said Ken Bernstein, director of preservation issues for the conservancy. “While it’s small and clearly needs expansion, they feel the building has architectural distinctiveness that has value.”

Although the conservancy has not taken a formal position on the matter, a feasibility study was commissioned by the city to determine what updating and expanding the facility would involve.

“Basically, it’s far costlier to try to seismically retrofit and expand the library [than to erect a new building],” said Fontayne Holmes, director of library facilities for the Los Angeles Public Library system. “Due to the way it’s constructed, the expansion could possibly comprise the very aspects they want to preserve.”

Ultimately, based on public input, the Board of Library Commissioners will decide which building plan to use. The yearlong construction is expected to begin in spring 2001.

The meeting will begin at 7 p.m. Thursday at the library, 22200 Ventura Blvd., two blocks west of Topanga Canyon Boulevard.