City officials Wednesday marked the start of construction on the 15,000-square-foot Skyline Hills Library, which will serve residents in Southeast San Diego.
The building on South Meadowbrook Drive, scheduled for completion next year, will replace a smaller library branch in the area that was built in 1969.
"The new Skyline Hills Branch Library represents a $13.2 million dollar investment and will help to revitalize our neighborhoods into a vibrant, educational hub and meeting place," said Councilwoman Myrtle Cole, who represents the area.
"As I've done with this library, I will continue to fight to strengthen our neighborhoods until we have the basic necessities to help people thrive," she said.
The library will serve residents of Skyline Hills, Jamacha and Lomita Village, along with Bay Terraces, Paradise Hills and Spring Valley.
The branch includes a multi-purpose community room, conference rooms, study rooms, dedicated areas for children, a computer lab, bookstore, outdoor courtyard, floating roof with prismatic skylights and public art.
"It will provide opportunities — and help to bridge the economic divide that impacts students' academic performance," Cole said.
Mayor Kevin Faulconer described the branch as more than just a library.
"It will be a 21st century library that is a place for learning, bringing neighbors together and providing many other services and opportunities for residents," Faulconer said.
It will be the first new branch library in San Diego in six years, according to the mayor's office.
