2006-08-27 Westlake is a Major Donor of New San Mateo Public Library

August 27, 2006 San Mateo- The San Mateo Public Library finally opened in its new location on 55 West Third Avenue, San Mateo. This posh state-of-the-art "living room" which has a Bean Street Coffee station on the third floor, represents a departure from how things used to be in a traditional library. The library wants to see itself as a gathering place fostering human interaction - the core of learning. Thus the presence of study group couches in hip colors and a "bubble room amphitheater" children's section on the first floor.

Being in the heart of Silicon Valley, it's to be expected that the library is fitted with the latest in technology. The 90,000-square-foot building is three times the size of its predecessor, has wireless Internet service, 100 public computers, a biotechnology center and an automated check-in system that sorts books electronically. Designed as a "green building", it was constructed with a high percentage of recycled products, from carpet to steel. It is meant to be energy-efficient, with skylights providing 95 percent of the building's reading light and windows that open in the ceiling providing "passive ventilation."

Westlake Realty Group, Inc was one of the first companies to pledge their support to the San Mateo Public Library Capital Campaign.

For more information about the library go to www.ci.sanmateo.ca.us.