For Immediate Release: February 19, 2010

Melrose Branch Library to Close Temporarily
for Major Window Preservation Work

Historic Branch to Close March 13 to May 11

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( Oakland, CA)—As part of ongoing efforts to maintain its historic branches while also providing a suitable environment for the safeguarding of books, computers, and significant interior architecture, the Oakland Public Library announced plans to temporarily close the Melrose Branch for window refurbishment, restoration and replacement, where necessary. The Library will close March 13, 2010, and work is scheduled to be completed by May 11. The Melrose Branch is located at 4805 Foothill Blvd.

The Melrose Library, which opened June 1916, is one of several historic Carnegie-built libraries in the City. Designed in the Classical Revival style, it is a designated historic city landmark. It retains the majority of its original wood windows, many of which have dry rot and leak. As much as possible, the original windows will be restored. In some cases, workers may need to install new windows that replicate the original style, in compliance with the Secretary of the Interior's Standards for Rehabilitation for historic wooden windows.

For more information, please call (510) 238-3271, or see the Oakland Public Library’s Web site: www.oaklandlibrary.org . The Oakland Public Library is a department of the City of Oakland.

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