San Francisco Public Library will celebrate the re-opening the newly renovated Eureka Valley/Harvey Milk Memorial Branch Library, on Saturday, Oct. 24. Located at 1 José Sarria Court, near 16^th and Market streets, the Eureka Valley renovation is the latest project in the City’s Branch Library Improvement Program.
 
The grand re-opening celebration will kick off with lion dancers and musicians in front of the renovated branch. Festivities begin at Noon with a small neighborhood parade, followed by speeches and entertainment at 1 p.m. Library services will start at 2 p.m. Pond Street will be closed between 16^th and 17^th streets to through traffic during the event. A ribbon cutting ceremony is planned with Mayor Gavin Newsom, City Librarian Luis Herrera, Supervisor Bevan Dufty, Department of Public Works Director Ed Reiskin and other city and state officials.
 
“We are excited to have the Eureka Valley/Harvey Milk Memorial Branch Library re-open its doors and once again provide a spot for materials, information and recreation for this lively and diverse neighborhood,” said City Librarian Luis Herrera. “The updating of this branch has created a very welcoming, open and comfortable space that is sure to be well used by this community. The renovated library is a wonderful tribute to the legacy of its namesake Harvey Milk”
 
The thoughtful renovation of the beautiful, midcentury modern branch included a small addition, new accessible restrooms, seismic upgrading, technological updating and new furnishings. The light-filled Library includes a reading lounge area with a refurbished gas fireplace as well as a pleasant outdoor courtyard surrounded by flowers and plants. The much loved Benjamin Bufano torso sculpture remains in place at the branch’s entryway.
 
Eureka Valley is the 12^th library project to be completed under the Branch Library Improvement Program, which is funded by a $105.9 million bond measure passed by voters in November 2000. The program is supporting the renovation of16 branch libraries and the construction of eight new library buildings around the City. For more information about the Eureka Valley/Harvey Milk Memorial Branch Library’s opening celebration, please call (415) 557-4277, or visit www.sfpl.org.

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