On September 16th, the El Gabilan Library received the Community Impact Structures Award from the Silicon Valley Business Journal in a virtual awards ceremony.  The awards recognize the "best of the best" in real estate projects throughout Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Benito and Monterey County. The library was selected for its outstanding design, its impact on the community, and for the successful partnership between the City of Salinas and Griffin | Swinerton.

The new library replaced a former 3,200-square-foot facility and was designed to capture the imagination and inspire a love of lifelong learning.  The 21,000 square foot building includes a large children’s area with a dedicated space for children’s story times and playgroups, and a separate space for teens, allowing for study in small groups as well as providing a safe space for teens to socialize and access arts and technology resources.  There is also a new makerspace and digital arts lab that will host classes in the future to connect teens and adults to careers in technology and the arts.  The library also provides a large community room and outdoor space for programs, concerts and celebrations, and an outdoor learning and play space to connect children with nature and the environment. 

To learn more about the award, click here or email Mila Rianto, Deputy Librarian, at milar [at] ci.salinas.ca.us.