Whittier Central Library Completes Remodel

The newly modernized Whittier Library

As communities and communications change, so must libraries, which is why the Whitter Central Library in Whittier, California, recently finished a complete renovation. The 39,300 square-foot, $14.6 million project included a 35,000 square-foot modernization to the existing building and a 4,300-square-foot minor expansion.

The expansion enlarged and modernized the children’s area and restructured the offices and restrooms to bring them to current building codes as well as optimize for efficiency. The building’s exterior and landscaping were remodeled to create an updated look and feel while retaining the integrity of the library’s rich historical architecture.

Originally built in 1959, the Central Library has been a long-standing, integral landmark of the local community. The library’s service area covers two-thirds (eight square miles) of Whittier’s 12 square miles and is home to the most requested and popular materials, including access to the internet, special collection, Veterans Resource Center, passport processing, and a variety of programs and services for the entire community.

“We were honored to partner with the city of Whittier in renovating this historic community landmark,” said Karl Kreutziger, president, C.W. Driver Companies, which completed the renovation. “Our relationship and history working with the city positioned us to deliver a state-ofthe-art remodel and improvement project that will better serve the community for years to come and enable the Central Library to continue acting as the heart of Whittier’s activities.”

C.W. Driver Companies worked alongside architect CWA AIA Inc. on this project.

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01 The main desk 02 Pleasant places to read 03The updated entry 04 Two stories of learning 05 Contemporary meets classic 06 A gathering point for the area

Photos courtesy of C.W. Driver Cos.

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