Central Library unveils a peek at the L.A. of 1925 – KCRW

KCRW Reports

Central Library unveils a peek at the L.A. of 1925

The Los Angeles Central Library’s time capsule contained a scrapbook, coins, old newspapers in multiple languages and an even older time capsule from 1881.

By Danielle Chiriguayo • Feb 2, 2026 • 4m Listen

When a time capsule was buried near the LA Central Library’s cornerstone in 1925, staff didn’t leave instructions on how to open it. More than a century later, a recovery team wasn’t even entirely sure where to find it. 

But find it they did. To honor the 100-year anniversary of the Central Library, the branch kicked off a year of celebrations by unearthing that century-old time capsule buried during the building’s dedication. 

The hunt for the time capsule set off what Los Angeles City Librarian John Szabo describes as “an archeological dig.” The Central Library is listed in the U.S. National Register of Historic Places, as well as a Los Angeles Historic-Cultural Monument, meaning the preservation of its art-deco design was paramount. 

“Getting it through the men’s restroom turned out to be our only option,” explains Todd Lerew, director of special projects for the Library Foundation of LA and the lead on the time capsule’s recovery. 

Szabo continues: “We had to take drywall. We had to take the studs out. We had to take one masonry wall out. Then, we had to very carefully go through the back wall of the cornerstone.” 

It took a week for Lerew and his team to get around layers of plumbing and limestone blocks. When they finally retrieved the capsule, Szabo couldn’t wait to crack it open: “Being a complete history nerd, I literally put my head inside the time capsule and I breathed in the air, thinking that that was the air that my predecessor, Everett Robbins Perry, was breathing … from 1925.

“It was a little musty, but I didn’t keel over or anything.”

The time capsule, a sealed, custom-made copper box, provided a glimpse into life in LA more than a century ago. Inside were scrapbooks of photos, old coins, and a traffic street plan for 1924. 

And it also held something else: an additional time capsule. This one was from 1881. It was buried with the cornerstone of the State Normal School, a precursor to UCLA that was originally built where the Central Library is today. 

The older capsule included books and pamphlets that provided additional glimpses of 19th century Los Angeles. It also included newspapers in English, German, and Spanish, and mementos from the funeral of U.S. President James Garfield, who was assassinated just months prior to the time capsule’s burial. 

All of these recovered items are on display now at the LA Central Library. Szabo says they represent the diversity of the city that stretches back more than 150 years: “It certainly speaks to the evolution of the city, the growth of the city, but it also reminds us that the library has had this very similar, if not the same mission, which is to welcome everyone in the community.”

• Danielle Chiriguayo, Morning Edition anchor and reporter
• Alexandra Applegate, Reporter; producer

Continue/Read Original Article Here: Central Library unveils a peek at the L.A. of 1925 | KCRW

Swansea’s new Y Storfa hub draws praise as visitors embrace city centre one‑stop shop

The building, which opened on December 1 in the former BHS store on Oxford Street, has been “busy every day”, according to Swansea Council. The authority says visitors have praised its central location, bright design and the convenience of having multiple services under one roof.

Council leader Rob Stewart said the reaction had exceeded expectations.

Cllr Stewart said:

“We’re delighted that public and staff feedback from the early weeks at Y Storfa has been so positive. Public comments continue to be fantastic; our staff and partners love working here. It’s proving to be a real success.”

Community groups using the space say it has already become a valued meeting point.

Jean Blair, from social group Mentro Allan, said:

“We really enjoy meeting here. Y Storfa has welcoming staff, plenty of comfortable space and is in a central location.”

The South Wales Miners’ Library, now based inside the hub, says the move has made it far easier for people to drop in.

Sian Williams, head of cultural collections at Swansea University, said:

“We’re much more accessible here and are delighted with the number of people who’ve called in and continue to do so. We’re open to everybody and it’s great to welcome a range of visitors.”

The council’s lifelong learning team says demand has surged since relocating.

Service co‑ordinator Judith Porch said:

“With so many services being in one space, Y Storfa is connecting people. It’s great for supporting our learners — you can see how people are enjoying the experience. We’ve seen huge interest in our lifelong learning classes; our IT classes are now completely full.”

Frontline staff say the hub is already improving how residents access help.

Senior revenues and benefits officer Andrea Jones said:

“Y Storfa has made it easy for customers to access many services in one place. I had a customer who came in for a query about benefits who was then able to go straight to housing options. It makes it much more convenient being in the same location.”

The council says the numbers back up the positive feedback. December saw more than 670 new central library members — more than triple the usual monthly average — and children’s library loans have risen. The South Wales Miners’ Library, Citizens Advice, West Glamorgan Archive Service and Careers Wales all report increased footfall.

Cllr Stewart says the hub is already playing a role in boosting the wider city centre.

He said:

“Thousands of people have already enjoyed what Y Storfa has to offer. They like its accessible and compelling mix of essential services. There’s been a significant uplift in visitors compared to previous locations used by the services based there.”

Y Storfa forms part of Swansea Council’s £1bn regeneration programme and was delivered with support from the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns fund. The council says its location — close to car parks, bus routes and the newly reopened Park Street East car park — is helping draw people back into the city centre.

Related stories

Thousands flock to new city centre hub as Y Storfa officially opens
Opening day crowds welcomed Swansea’s new one‑stop public services hub.

Y Storfa opens in Swansea city centre as council services move from Civic
Major relocation brings key services together under one roof.

Opinion: Torsten Bell MP on Swansea’s Pride in Place funding
How investment could reshape the future of the city centre.

Swansea safety firm proud to support city regeneration
Local business backs major redevelopment projects across Swansea.

Public invited to give views on new Civic Centre plans
Fresh images reveal the next stage of Swansea’s waterfront transformation.

New artist’s impression shows dramatic Civic Centre transformation
Ambitious redevelopment plans unveiled for the seafront site.

Central Library turns 100 – LAist

Explore LA

Central Library turns 100

We explore its scrappy origin story

Cato Hernández scours through tons of archives to understand how our region became the way it is today.

The Central Library in downtown Los Angeles hits a big milestone this year: It’s turning 100 years old.

The century-old landmark has been through a lot of changes since opening, but how we got this iconic library in the first place is a saga in its own right.

A scrappy start

To understand what it took to get here, we’ll go back to 1872. Back then, the city of L.A. only had about 6,000 residents. Dirt roads were everywhere and agriculture was king.

The region was still fresh off the transition to American rule, and local leaders were just starting to dream up what the city could look like, especially in the downtown area.

There was no “LAPL” during this time — a group called the Los Angeles Library Association attended to local reading needs. John Szabo, current L.A. city librarian, says that early system was pretty bare bones.

“ It was a very small one room library with a handful of books,” he told host Larry Mantle on LAist 89.3’s AirTalk.

That was in the Downey Block building at Temple and Main streets, which is where the Federal Courthouse stands today. There were newspaper racks and shelves with about 750 books, while another space had checkers and chess — because what more do you need to fuel young minds?

The city needed a lot more because of rapid growth, but money was an issue. To help meet the demand, the association became an official city department in 1878. That allowed local officials to fund their new “Los Angeles Public Library.”

Over the years, LAPL would open satellite “reading rooms” and branch libraries. However, the main collection was expanding quickly. The books were essentially couch-surfing for years. They moved four times into different rented spaces, including into City Hall in 1889.

This was a temporary home that lasted for a couple of decades. Then, the effort to build a central library picked up steam. One of those was with a plan to put it in Pershing Square, but the project went awry. So the collection moved again — this time into a department store building (while it was still running), between women’s clothes and furniture, where it stayed for six years.

A new, innovative library

When Everett Perry, an energetic city librarian, took the helm in 1911, he lobbied for years for a central library to be created.

Finally, a decade later, voters passed a measure for a $2 million bond to pay for a new dedicated building. That would become the Central Library we have today. L.A. was a little late among large U.S. cities for getting a central library, but it finally opened in July 1926.

See Also: https://secretlosangeles.com/la-public-library-time-capsule/

Continue/Read Original Article Here: Central Library turns 100

Today's Flickr photo with the most hits was uploaded just yesterday:

Dismantling Santa, at Manchester's Central Library.

Not quite sure why Zippy is Santa, though.

#CentralLibrary #manchester #santa #zippy

Thousands flock to new city centre hub as Y Storfa officially opens

The former BHS department store on Oxford Street has been transformed into a buzzing community hub, bringing the city’s Central Library, housing services, archives and advice centres together under one roof.

Crowds pour in since doors opened

Y Storfa has been open since December 1 and has already welcomed thousands through its doors. Social media has been flooded with praise from locals.

Visitor Pat Baldrian said:

“I really like it. I’ll be a regular visitor – it’s so convenient whilst in town.”

Ronny Oner added:

“It was super busy when we popped in to have a gander.”

Ministers cut the ribbon

The hub was formally opened today (December 17) by Julie James MS, Counsel General and Minister for Delivery, alongside Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart and cabinet member Elliott King.

Council leader Rob Stewart said:

“It’s fantastic that Y Storfa has enjoyed successful public and formal openings – and that so many people have already visited and given us great feedback. It’ll deliver essential services to people from across Swansea and will help drive new business to nearby traders. It’ll be even better when we complete our ongoing transformation of the neighbouring Castle Square which will soon be greener and more welcoming than ever.”

Services under one roof

Inside Y Storfa, visitors will find the city’s Central Library, a children’s library with sensory play, the West Glamorgan Archive Service, Housing Options and Housing Support, plus bases for Careers Wales and Citizens Advice Swansea Neath Port Talbot. Swansea University’s South Wales Miners’ Library has also moved in.

To mark the opening, an exhibition in the community event space highlights the building’s history and the changing face of the city centre.

Praise from partners

Jayne Bryant, Welsh Government cabinet secretary for housing and local government, said:

“With the opening of Y Storfa, we’re bringing essential services together under one roof – making support more accessible while creating a vibrant hub that strengthens Swansea’s community and boosts local businesses. I’m proud that our Welsh Government Transforming Town programme helped to fund this project, and I’m delighted that so many residents of all ages are already using this fantastic space.”

Caroline Newman, chief officer of Citizens Advice Swansea Neath Port Talbot, said:

“Citizens Advice Swansea Neath Port Talbot are already settling in to Y Storfa. Access for clients is much easier and the surroundings warm, bright and welcoming. Having the right environment is far more conducive to helping some of the most vulnerable people in our community.”

Sian Williams, head of Cultural Collections at Swansea University, said:

“We are delighted that Y Storfa will be the new home of the South Wales Miners’ Library. Our new location will mean these remarkable collections — rich in stories of Wales and Swansea’s industrial and cultural heritage — are even more accessible. We look forward to collaborating with Swansea Council colleagues and the other Y Storfa tenants to engage new audiences, inspiring and informing future generations.”

A new heartbeat for the city

With hundreds of nearby parking spaces and easy access to public transport, Y Storfa is set to become a central hub for Swansea life.

Ian Rees, regional director for Kier Construction Western & Wales, said:

“It has been fantastic to see Y Storfa buzzing with life since it opened. Delivering this vibrant space in the heart of Swansea city centre embodies our commitment to creating sustainable, community‑focused facilities that will benefit future generations for decades to come.”

The council says the hub will grow even further once the neighbouring Castle Square is transformed into a greener, more welcoming public space.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Swansea city centre library opens at Y Storfa
The new Central Library opens its doors inside Y Storfa, offering books, digital access and sensory spaces.

New Swansea city centre hub Y Storfa opens its doors
Thousands visit Y Storfa in its first week as council services, archives and advice centres move in.

Castle Square transformation work set to start in January
Major works begin next month to create a greener, more welcoming public space next to Y Storfa.

Y Storfa opens in Swansea city centre as council services move from Civic

The facility is part of the authority’s £1bn regeneration programme and brings together a range of services under one roof, including the city’s Central Library, Housing Options, Housing Support, and the West Glamorgan Archive Service. Careers Wales, Citizens Advice Swansea Neath Port Talbot, and Swansea University’s South Wales Miners’ Library also have bases there.

Council leader Rob Stewart described Y Storfa as “a great city centre space for the people of Swansea to access services they use day in day out,” adding that it would “make the city centre an even better place to visit.”

The project has been funded in part by the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme, with construction led by Kier. Ian Rees, regional director for Kier Construction Western & Wales, said the company was “incredibly proud to see Y Storfa open its doors to the public, providing a vital community space right at the heart of the city centre.”

Wendy Williams of Careers Wales said the move would make it easier for residents to access free careers advice in a central location, while Caroline Newman of Citizens Advice Swansea Neath Port Talbot said the relocation would “improve accessibility and create opportunities for collaboration.”

Services available at Y Storfa

• 📚 Swansea Central Library
• 🏠 Housing Options and Housing Support services
• 📜 West Glamorgan Archive Service
• 🎓 Swansea University’s South Wales Miners’ Library
• 💼 Careers Wales advice centre
• ⚖️ Citizens Advice Swansea Neath Port Talbot
• Other council services relocated from the Civic Centre

Note: Registration offices and bereavement services remain at the Civic Centre until further notice.

The opening means there is now no public access via the front doors of Swansea Civic Centre. Council services previously based there have transferred to Y Storfa, although registration offices and bereavement services will continue to operate from the Civic until further notice.

The council says redevelopment plans for the Civic Centre are still being worked on and will be announced once finalised.

#archives #bhs #careersWales #centralLibrary #citizensAdvice #civicCentre #featured #housingOptions #housingSupport #library #oxfordStreet #princessWay #swansea #swanseaCouncil #swanseaUniversityMinersLibrary #westGlamorganArchiveService2 #yStorfa

Opening date confirmed for Swansea’s new Y Storfa hub

According to Swansea Council, the transformation of the former BHS building at the junction of Oxford Street and Princess Way is a key part of its £1bn regeneration programme. The authority says the project is designed to revitalise the city centre and bring services together under one roof.

“Firm opening date before Christmas”

Council Leader Rob Stewart said the opening was a major milestone:

“It’s fantastic that we now have a firm opening date for Y Storfa – and that it’ll be before Christmas. It’ll be a great new facility that’ll help make the city centre an even better place to visit. The great public interest in Y Storfa will mean added footfall for nearby traders as the festive season develops. It’ll be a place where people can come together – to learn, access important services, or take part in community life in a modern and welcoming space.”

Services under one roof

Swansea Council says that when Y Storfa opens, visitors will be able to access the city’s Central Library, which the authority notes will include dedicated areas for children and families. The council also states that the building will house its Housing Options and Housing Support teams, alongside the West Glamorgan Archive Service.

According to the council, Y Storfa will not just feature council services. Careers Wales and Citizens Advice Swansea Neath Port Talbot have confirmed they will have permanent bases in the hub, while Swansea University has said its South Wales Miners’ Library is among the organisations preparing to move in over the coming weeks. The council describes these combined services as making Y Storfa a one‑stop destination for learning, advice, and community support.

Wider regeneration

Swansea Council says the opening of Y Storfa is part of a much broader transformation of the city centre. The authority points to work underway next door at Castle Square, which it describes as being redeveloped into a greener, more welcoming public space. Council leaders also highlight other recent projects they have driven, including the creation of the Swansea Building Society Arena, the redesign of The Kingsway and Wind Street, new office space at 71/72 Kingsway, and the restoration of the historic Palace Theatre.

According to the council, private developers are also investing heavily in the area. Projects cited include the Biophilic Living Building on Oxford Street, the Princess Quarter development, and the revival of the Albert Hall, which the authority says are adding to the momentum of regeneration in the city centre.

Backed by Welsh Government

Funding for Y Storfa has come from the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme, with construction led by The Kier Group.

The council says the hub will provide a modern, welcoming environment for residents and visitors, while boosting footfall for city centre traders in the run‑up to Christmas and beyond.

#bhs #castleSquareRedevelopment #centralLibrary #centralLibraryMove #centralLibraryRelocation #centralLibrarySwansea #kierGroup #oxfordStreet #princessWay #swansea #swanseaCentralLibrary #swanseaCouncil #swanseaRegeneration #yStorfa #yStorfaSwansea

Swansea Central Library prepares for move to Y Storfa

Swansea Council has confirmed that all library services at the Civic Centre will close on Monday, October 20, with the new Y Storfa facility due to open several weeks later. The exact opening date will be announced soon.

Around 60,000 books and other items are being carefully packed for the move, including 5,000 historic and modern maps, 3,500 microfilm reels, 4,000 picture books, 2,200 graphic novels, and accessible materials such as large‑print, audiobooks, dyslexia‑friendly titles and Braille.

New facilities at Y Storfa

The new Central Library will feature a glass‑fronted children’s library with thousands of books, a sensory wall, interactive games, and a retro gaming area for older children. Board games for families and adults will also be available.

Visitors will be able to access physical newspapers such as the South Wales Evening Post, bound archives, and hundreds of digital titles via the library’s Press Reader and Borrowbox services. Historic newspapers will also be available online through subscription resources and the National Library of Wales.

Temporary arrangements

Swansea’s 16 community libraries will remain open during the transition, although public PCs will be unavailable on October 22 and 23 due to maintenance. Borrowed items can be returned to branch libraries, and online services will remain available 24/7.

Part of city centre regeneration

Y Storfa is part of Swansea Council’s £1bn regeneration programme and will pave the way for the redevelopment of the Civic Centre site.

Cllr Elliott King, cabinet member for culture, Swansea Council, said: “Y Storfa will give residents a modern, welcoming Central Library at the heart of the city centre. It’s good to see that preparations for the move are well underway.”

Cllr Rob Stewart, leader of Swansea Council, said: “Y Storfa will create a central hub where people can learn, access support and come together. It’ll create footfall for city centre businesses and will further boost Swansea’s regeneration.”

More than a library

Alongside the Central Library, Y Storfa will also house the West Glamorgan Archive Service, Housing Options and Housing Services, the council’s contact centre, lifelong learning, and revenue and benefits teams.

Non‑council tenants will include Careers Wales, Citizens Advice Neath Port Talbot, and Swansea University’s South Wales Miners’ Library.

The project has been supported by the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Housing services set to join Y Storfa community hub in city centre
Council confirms housing teams will relocate to the new hub alongside the library.

Fly-through video reveals first look at Swansea’s new Y Storfa community hub
A virtual tour shows how the landmark development will look once complete.

Swansea Central Library preparing for move to Y Storfa hub
Staff begin the process of packing thousands of items ahead of the relocation.

Y Storfa community hub takes shape in Swansea city centre
Construction progresses on the £1bn regeneration project opposite Castle Square.

#BHS #CastleSquare #CentralLibrary #CentralLibraryMove #CentralLibraryRelocation #CivicCentre #CllrElliottKing #CllrRobStewart #Library #Swansea #SwanseaCentralLibrary #SwanseaCouncil #YStorfa

Fly-through video reveals first look at Swansea’s new Y Storfa community hub

A major regeneration project is taking shape in the heart of Swansea city centre, with the former BHS store on Oxford Street being transformed into Y Storfa, a modern community services hub.

The scheme, led by Swansea Council with Kier Group as main contractor, will bring together a wide range of facilities under one roof. Alongside a new central library, Y Storfa will also host the council’s contact centre, Housing Options, revenues and benefits, lifelong learning, and the West Glamorgan Archive Service.

Non-council tenants will include Careers Wales, Citizens Advice, and Swansea University’s South Wales Miners’ Library, making the building a one‑stop destination for learning, advice and community support.

First look inside

The newly released CGI fly-through highlights the building’s striking exterior and welcoming internal spaces. Viewers are given a first glimpse of the main reception, children’s library, open‑plan library, contact centre, meeting rooms, and a modern conference and events space.

The design also includes accessible lifts to every floor, ensuring the hub is fully inclusive.

Earlier this year, Swansea Bay News published exclusive photos showing the progress of the build (Inside Y Storfa), while a previous update charted how the scheme was taking shape on site (Y Storfa community hub takes shape).

Library move from Civic Centre

To prepare for the relocation, Swansea’s central library at the Civic Centre will close from Monday 20 October. Staff will use the closure period to transfer collections and set up the new facility.

As reported by Swansea Bay News last month (Central Library preparing for move), the move marks the end of an era for the Civic Centre site, which is earmarked for future redevelopment.

“A place where people can come together”

Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said the project is part of the city’s wider £1bn regeneration programme.

“Swansea city centre needs more footfall to support its existing traders and help attract new shops and other businesses in future.

“Y Storfa will be a place where people can come together – to learn, access important services, or take part in community life in a modern and welcoming space. By bringing services like the library, archives, Housing Options and others together under one roof, it’ll make life easier for many residents and create opportunities for people of all ages.”

Linked to wider regeneration

The development is located close to car parks, bus stops and cycle routes, making it easily accessible. An official opening date will be announced soon.

Cllr Stewart added that the move will also pave the way for the redevelopment of the Civic Centre site on the waterfront, with regeneration partners Urban Splash currently working on proposals.

Funding for Y Storfa includes support from the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme.

Related articles

• Swansea Central Library preparing for move to Y Storfa hub
• Y Storfa community hub takes shape in Swansea city centre
• Inside Y Storfa: Photos show progress at community hub

#archives #BHS #callCentre #CareersWales #CentralLibrary #CentralLibraryMove #CentralLibraryRelocation #CitizensAdvice #CitizensAdviceCymru #CivicCentre #CllrRobStewart #ContactCentre #featured #HousingOptions #KierGroup #OxfordStreet #PrincessWay #regeneration #SouthWalesMinersMuseum #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #TransformingTowns #WestGlamorganArchiveService #YStorfa

Librarian reminisces about old Central Library as it heads to market – Times of San Diego

Arts

Librarian reminisces about old Central Library as it heads to market

Share this:

Overview: Old Central library

As the city announced it was seeking buyers or lessees to redevelop the 1954 building into housing, she reminisced about what the space at 820 E St. meant to her and other staff during the 59 years it stored San Diego’s main library collection. 

One of the most exciting parts of librarian Kristina Garcia’s career occurred in the old Central Library but her connection to the space started long before that. 

As the city announced it was seeking buyers or lessees to redevelop the 1954 building into housing, she reminisced about what the space at 820 E St. meant to her and other staff during the 59 years it stored San Diego’s main library collection. 

“Unfortunately, we did outgrow the space,” said Garcia, now the librarian for the adult high school diploma program. “And I’m very glad we have so much more space and we can offer so many great programs now in the New Central but the Old Central was a very special part of my work history and my family.” 

Favorite memories

Garcia’s father, a lawyer who worked downtown, would take her on visits to the Central Library. 

It reminded her of a 1950s school with a few unique features. The seal of San Diego on the floor, Donal Hord’s sculptures and classic wood features from the original San Diego Carnegie Library stood out to her as a child. 

“The facade outside was always very artistic, you know, and majestic,” said Garcia. She is glad that the historic significance of these features means they will be preserved even as the building as a whole is redeveloped. 

It was many years after Garcia’s childhood visits when, already well into her career as a librarian, she began working inside the Central Library in 2001.

She was located on one of the two basement floors as a second-level reference librarian for the Serra Cooperative. Eventually, she started working at reference desks on the three above-ground stories of the library. 

Unlike today’s Central Library which is divided by floors, the old library was split into sections.

Each section had a reference desk where the librarians stationed there would be subject matter experts on the section’s topic, like history, sciences, literature, etc. Garcia started in the art, music and recreation area. 

She stayed at the library until it closed in 2013, working with librarians to meet the needs of over a thousand daily visitors. 

Then, the Central Library at 330 Park Blvd. in East Village opened. 

Get Downtown News in your inbox – community news that connects and informs.

One of Garcia’s most exciting opportunities occurred during the move from old to new when she packed up The Wangenheim Collection, which includes rare books, manuscripts, rugs and other artifacts that chronicle the development of books through the ages.

She calls it “a really special thing that I got to do.” 

Leaving the building she remembered from her childhood, one that also housed much of her career was difficult, as much as the new space was needed. “The staff did find it hard to say goodbye to that old building,” Garcia said. 

Unique features

With three stories above ground and two below, the 144,524-square-foot old Central Library offered a unique visitor experience. 

The collection was largely housed in the two basement floors, which was not open to the public. They were only allowed on the above ground floors where a spiraling brass handrail adorned the stairs. 

Since the public needed access to the collections, staff members took on the role of runners. Visitors would fill out hold cards of what book they wanted and a runner would use a service elevator down to the basement to find it and bring it up. 

There were so many shelves in the basement it was a maze. Reflective dots and arrows marked paths to the exit in case staff got lost amid a power outage. 

Editor’s Note: Below is a KPBS NPR video from 12 years ago. It shows some of the treasures. When I worked at Central Library, I loved going into the basement. I somewhere have my “parting” images which I will try and dig out and add later. See also the original article that included the video: https://www.kpbs.org/news/evening-edition/2013/06/28/central-library-moves-hidden-treasures-out-public
-DrWeb

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HHUOtQeUH94

Editor’s Note: Read the rest of the story, at the below link.

Continue/Read Original Article Here: Librarian reminisces about old Central Library as it heads to market

#1954 #2025 #59Years #America #Basement #Books #CentralLibrary #CityOfSanDiego #Downtown #Education #FiveFloors #History #KristinaGarcia #Librarian #Libraries #Library #NPR #Reading #SanDiego #Television #UnitedStates

Swansea Central Library preparing for move to Y Storfa hub

Swansea’s Central Library is set to leave its long‑time home at the Civic Centre next month, with the council confirming the building will close from Monday 20 October ahead of a move to Y Storfa, the new community services hub being developed in the former BHS unit on Oxford Street.

The authority says more than 60,000 books, along with maps, microfilm reels and other resources, will be packed up and transferred to the new site. The library at Y Storfa is due to open later this year, although the exact date has not yet been announced.

Preparing for the move

During the transition, library members will still be able to use Swansea’s 16 other community libraries. Borrowed items can be returned at those branches, while online services such as eBooks, audiobooks and digital magazines will remain available around the clock.

Events including rhyme time, reading groups and digital support sessions will also continue at community libraries. Memberships will automatically transfer to the new Central Library, and loan periods will be extended to support customers during the closure.

📚 What is Y Storfa?

A new community hub:
Y Storfa is being developed in the former BHS unit on Oxford Street as a multi‑purpose community services hub.

What it offers:
The council says it will promote community cohesion, digital inclusion, wellbeing and opportunities for learning and growth across Swansea’s diverse communities.

Services under one roof:
Confirmed tenants include Swansea’s new Central Library, the West Glamorgan Archive Service, the council’s customer services centre, Housing Options, revenue and benefits, Careers Wales and Citizens Advice.

Flexible spaces:
The hub will also provide agile accommodation for third sector groups, public bodies and private companies that share its community ethos, with collaborative office space designed to support local initiatives.

Part of regeneration:
Y Storfa is described as a flagship project in Swansea’s £1bn city centre regeneration, supported by the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme.

A hub at the heart of the city

Y Storfa is being described by the council as a flagship part of its £1bn city centre regeneration programme. The hub will bring together a wide range of services under one roof, including the council’s contact centre, Housing Options, lifelong learning and the West Glamorgan Archive Service.

Other organisations due to be based there include Careers Wales, Citizens Advice and Swansea University’s South Wales Miners’ Library. The location, in the heart of Oxford Street, is close to bus routes, cycle paths, taxi ranks and car parks.

Cllr Elliott King, Swansea Council’s Cabinet Member for Culture, said:

“Y Storfa will give residents a modern, welcoming Central Library at the heart of the city centre, making it easier than ever to access books, digital resources, and a range of services all in one place.

“This move is a key part of our wider regeneration plans that are transforming Swansea for the future.”

Looking ahead

Council Leader Cllr Rob Stewart said the relocation was about more than just moving books and services.

Cllr Rob Stewart, Leader of Swansea Council, said:

“It’s about creating a central hub where people can learn, access support, and come together as a community. It’ll also combine with many other schemes to create the footfall the city centre needs to attract more shops and other businesses.

He added that the move would also help generate footfall for the city centre, supporting shops and businesses, while freeing up the Civic Centre site for redevelopment.

“Swansea’s regeneration is moving forward at pace, and Y Storfa is a flagship part of that journey.” Cllr Stewart added.

Key details

• Civic Centre library closes: Monday 20 October
• New Central Library at Y Storfa: Opening later this year (date TBC)
• Other libraries: 16 community branches remain open as normal
• Online services: eBooks, audiobooks, digital magazines available 24/7
• Updates: Swansea Council website and Swansea Libraries social media

About Y Storfa

The Y Storfa project is supported by the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme and is one of several schemes forming part of Swansea’s wider regeneration strategy.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Y Storfa community hub takes shape in Swansea city centre
Progress continues at the former BHS site, with new features emerging as part of the £1bn regeneration programme.

New images reveal greener, more vibrant future for Swansea’s Castle Square
Plans show more greenery, new pavilions and public spaces designed to revitalise the heart of the city.

Plans revealed for new flats at city centre McDonald’s site
Developers outline proposals for 29 apartments above the fast‑food restaurant on Oxford Street.

New images show plans for transformed historic Castle Cinema
Fresh proposals would see the Grade II listed building redeveloped with apartments, retail and restaurant space.

#archives #BHS #books #CareersWales #CentralLibrary #CentralLibraryMove #CentralLibraryRelocation #CitizensAdvice #CivicCentre #CllrElliottKing #CllrRobStewart #Library #maps #microfilm #OxfordStreet #PrincessWay #SouthWalesMinersMuseum #Swansea #SwanseaCouncil #SwanseaLibraries #WestGlamorganArchiveService #YStorfa

San Diego’s old Central Library is on the market – San Diego Union-Tribune

Business

San Diego’s old Central Library is on the market

The city is seeking a buyer or lessee to turn its vacant, downtown property at 820 E St. into an apartment tower.

By Jennifer Van Grove | jennifer.vangrove@sduniontribune.com | The San Diego Union-Tribune, UPDATED: September 2, 2025 at 8:05 PM PDT

San Diego’s empty old Central Library at Eighth Avenue and E Street is officially on the market as the city seeks a bidder to remake the downtown property into a skyscraper with apartments for people of varying incomes.

On Tuesday, San Diego’s Economic Development Department published a notice of availability for the old Central Library at 820 E St., formally starting the solicitation process under California’s Surplus Land Act. The law regulates how municipal agencies can offload their land and prioritizes the production of housing for low-income families.

The notice alerts affordable housing developers registered with the state that the city intends to sell or lease its 0.69-acre property on the southern half of the block facing E Street, between Eighth and Ninth avenues. The notice also starts the clock on a 60-day window for interested bidders to respond with redevelopment plans that include at least 25% of residential units reserved for households making 80% or less than the area median income, or what’s referred to as affordable housing.

Prospective buyers have through Nov. 3 to submit a letter of interest.

“All San Diegans will benefit when we breathe new life into this unused property,” San Diego City Councilmember Stephen Whitburn, who represents downtown, said in a statement. “Downtown San Diego is the region’s ideal location for new housing with its proximity to jobs and transit, and replacing this old vacant building with new affordable homes will significantly improve this area for downtown residents and visitors.”

Opened in 1954 and closed in 2013, the old Central Library is a locally designated historic resource that sat empty for nearly a decade before being used intermittently as a temporary homeless shelter, starting in 2023. Over the years, developers have contemplated various alternative uses, including a 42-story apartment tower proposed by Bosa Development. The tower proposal was eventually scraped by the builder in 2018.

San Diego is now soliciting interest in the old Central Library under the Surplus Land Act. The law was amended in 2019 to prioritize affordable housing when government-owned land is sold or leased.

In July, San Diego city council members formally declared the library site as surplus land. The surplus designation means the city no longer needs the facility and has ruled out other options, such as redeveloping the property entirely for low-income housing. With the designation, the city can sell or lease the site for redevelopment — but it must follow specific noticing and negotiating requirements.

Continue/Read Original Article Here: San Diego’s old Central Library is on the market – San Diego Union-Tribune

#2025 #America #California #CentralLibrary #CityOfSanDiego #ForSale #Health #HousingTower #Libraries #Library #Reading #SanDiego #UnitedStates

"From the library, Monday vibes"

#aftertherain☔️ #rainy #rainyday #rainyweather #undecided #weather #vista #vistalinda #view #throughthelens #throughthewindow #library #librarylife #grandparade #centrallibrary #biblioteca #studyarea #streetviews #cloudy #cork #corkcity #ireland #monday #mondayvibes #happy

"Study area in Grand Parade"

#library #librarybooks #librarylove #centrallibrary #grandparadecork #biblioteca #bibliotecanacional #localstudies #reading #readingroom #cork #corkcity #ireland

Y Storfa community hub takes shape in Swansea city centre

Progress continues on Swansea’s flagship community services hub Y Storfa, with key features now emerging at the former BHS building in Oxford Street.

The development is part of Swansea Council’s £1bn regeneration programme and will bring together a wide range of public and third-sector services under one roof.

Recent construction milestones include the installation of a striking three-storey steel stairway, beach hut-style meeting pods for Careers Wales, internal and external windows, and new cladding panels. The work is being carried out by main contractors Kier Group and remains on track for completion this year.

Council leader Rob Stewart said: “It’s great to see progress being made on our repurposing of this very large city centre site for public services. Y Storfa will be a fantastic location for people from across the city to access essential services.”

Once open, Y Storfa will house council-run services including the central library, a new children’s library, Housing Options, lifelong learning, the West Glamorgan Archive Service, and the contact centre. Non-council tenants will include Careers Wales, Citizens Advice, and Swansea University’s South Wales Miners’ Library.

The hub is designed to be easily accessible, located close to car parks, bus stops and cycle routes. It is expected to boost footfall for nearby businesses and contribute to the vibrancy of the city centre.

Cllr Stewart added: “This area of the city centre is being transformed with a great mix of public and private sector investment. Castle Gardens is going to be greener and much more welcoming, there are plans for new homes above McDonald’s, and new homes and businesses are being created at the former Castle Cinema.”

The Y Storfa project is supported by the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme.

Related stories from Swansea Bay News

Local businesses invited to explore work opportunities at Castle Square transformation
Explores how upcoming developments are opening doors for traders and SMEs.

Castle Square work to start as hoardings go up around site
Details the initial steps in the regeneration of Castle Square and public reaction.

Inside Y Storfa: Photos show progress at community hub
Visual update showing recent construction milestones at the Oxford Street site.

First two non-council tenants announced for Y Storfa in Swansea city centre
Careers Wales and Citizens Advice confirmed as tenants in the new public services hub.

#BHS #CareersWales #CentralLibrary #CitizensAdviceCymru #CllrRobStewart #construction #HousingOptions #KierGroup #Library #SouthWalesMinersMuseum #Swansea #SwanseaCityCentre #SwanseaCouncil #SwanseaLibraries #WestGlamorganArchiveService #YStorfa

"Reading room upstairs"

#library #bibliothek #bibliotheque #biblioteca #bibliotecário #readingtime #readingroom #irishstudies #localstudies #upstairs #cork #corkcity #centrallibrary #grandparade #books #reference #manray #comfortable #happy #warm #cosy #academia