In the Pipeline: Timeless design has helped Huntington Beach library stand test of time

With cake, storytelling and shelves full of memories, the Huntington Beach Central Library turned 40 last week. In a day and age when some libraries are becoming like dinosaurs, the one in Huntington Beach keeps thriving.

Beyond all the hard work from the dedicated staff, a lot of that seems to have to do with the library’s timeless, inviting and natural design. On hand for the anniversary celebration was Dion Neutra, the well-known architect who assumed the project after his father, architecture legend Richard Neutra, died in 1970.

Richard Neutra, considered one of the most important modernist architects, briefly worked for Frank Lloyd Wright after moving to this country from Vienna in the 1920s. His works include classic structures such as the 1962 Maslon House in Rancho Mirage and the Cyclorama building at Gettysburg, Pa. Sadly and stunningly, both of those have been demolished.

Dion Neutra began training with him at age 11 and soon started carving his own name in the business. He became president of the Neutra Co. after his father’s death. His projects include the Kronish House in Beverly Hills, the Treehouse Apartment in Silver Lake and, of course, the Huntington Beach Central Library at Central Park.

Neutra, now 88, has created a book called “The Neutras, Then & Later,” which details many of the family’s projects, including the library. Thumbing through the book with him at the anniversary celebration was a reminder of how profoundly his family has influenced many landscapes, particularly in Southern California.

But our conversation kept getting back to the library.

“At the time we did this project, there were many political hurdles to overcome,” he said. “Honestly, that’s how it goes in many places, and it was no different in Huntington Beach. But to be here today and to hear from everyone about how much they still like our design, well, that truly is the greatest reward as an architect.”

I asked him why the building’s reputation endures at the level that it does.

“Well, the city chose the site in the park because of the lake. They wanted it to have a water-oriented design. Yet when I came here to inspect the site, I couldn’t help but notice how far away it actually was from the lake,” Neutra said. “So the first thing was, I was going to have to come up with original sources of water. The lake would not be a part of it.

“Another thing was, I was always sick and tired of hearing kids getting shushed in the library. Kids get excited around books, and so naturally they’re going to talk a little bit. That’s another reason that I incorporated all of the water features inside of the building. That way, it would help mask the sound so kids could talk in a normal voice and not be distracting to others.

“I also wanted people to feel like they were inside of a park, even when they were inside the building. It’s very soothing when you have all of these aspects of nature incorporated in the design. All of the glass and all the greenery really puts you in contact with nature when you’re in here. And that was always a hallmark in the designs my family did. That sense of incorporating nature is a very key element.”

It also was nice to see Neutra reunited with former Mayor Norma Gibbs, one of the primary forces in getting the library built. She has told me in the past about many of the challenges inherent in the building process. To see both of them, each approaching a 90th birthday, was a joy for many present. Both are still sharp, aware and proud of what they accomplished.

The next time you visit the Huntington Beach Central Library, it’s worth remembering how special this place is and why it still attracts so many people. We are fortunate to have this magnificent facility, and I hope the city appreciates how important it still is. It needs our efforts to preserve and protect it. It’s not just a library, it’s part of the lifeblood of our city.

Thanks to library director Stephanie Beverage and the rest of her staff for all the good work they do.

CHRIS EPTING is the author of 25 books, including “Legendary Locals of Huntington Beach.” You can follow him on Twitter @chrisepting or facebook.com/hbindependent.