( Oakland, CA)— Oakland teens will now have an expanded, state-of-the-art place to gather when the newly renovated TeenZone opens at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2009 in Oakland’s Main Library, 125 14 th Street (near Lake Merritt). A free public event to celebrate the TeenZone’s new makeover will take place on Wednesday, January 28, from 4:30 to 6:00 p.m.
The TeenZone features a computer lab with the latest Apple iMac computers, innovative recycled Terrazzo reading bars and work areas, two private group study spaces, quiet reading areas, a video area for programming and instruction, improved displays for teen materials, expanded display space to showcase teen art, comfortable seating and carpeting – all in bright, bold colors sure to attract young people to the library.
“Oakland’s teens deserve a dedicated place in the library that caters to their needs and interests,” states Library Director Carmen Martinez. “With the advice of our Youth Leadership Council and support from our donors, we’ve created a dynamic room where teens can go to relax, study individually or in groups, use one of our new iMac computers, watch a DVD or get reference help.”
The Oakland Public Library received a number of grants and donations from various sources in order to fund the construction, equipment, and furniture costs. The list of funders includes the Friends of the Oakland Public Library, Torrance Turner Trust, Public Library Fund Grant, the Oakland Public Library Gift Fund, Measure D Recycled Product Fund-Environment Services, and a Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation Grant.
The architect was YHLA Architects; Rockridge Builders served as the TeenZone’s contractor. Calvin Hao of the City of Oakland’s Community and Economic Development Agency (CEDA) acted as the TeenZone’s Project Manager and James McGee was the Construction Manager.
For more information, please call (510) 238-7332 or visit the Oakland Public Library’s Website atwww.oaklandlibrary.org.
