Grand Opening: Julian Library Community Room
On August 1st, we celebrated the grand opening of the newly remodeled San Diego County Julian Library! Members of the community gathered to tour the remodeled building, which included the demolition and relocation of the study area, reconfiguration of existing facilities, and construction of a new Library Community Room.
The event was hosted in the new community room, which features a retractable partition wall that allows the space to be utilized as either two small rooms or one large room, for events such as town hall meetings.
“This community room will be a place where neighbors can come together to learn, create, and connect,” Library Director Migell Acosta said. “We envision this room hosting a variety of activities, from educational programs for children, to craft workshops for children and adults, book clubs, community meetings, and especially the Music on the Mountain series.”
The remodel also included new exterior paint and interior walls, roofing, structure, utilities, and new carpet throughout. There was removal and reconfiguration of the multipurpose room as well as removal and reconfiguration of exterior hardscape and landscape areas adjacent to the library addition. The site had accessibility upgrades including path of travel and accessible parking. These updates not only gave the Library an updated look, but an infrastructure to continue serving the Julian community for years to come.
A Gallery Space was added to display work from local artists. On display in the Gallery is a pair of stained-glass doors which were created by artist and Ilan-Lael Co-Founder James Hubbel. These doors were donated to the library by the Ilan-Lael Foundation. This adds to another featured piece of James Hubbel work, gates which welcome in library visitors at the entrance.
“Julian has a long-standing tradition of nurturing and celebrating artistic talents,” Acosta said. “We are proud to have the Julian Arts Guild support the rotating gallery space.”
At the ceremony, COAR is honored to have been recognized with a Certificate of Recognition from Second District Supervisor for the County of San Diego, Joel Anderson, which proclaimed August 1, 2024 as COAR Design Group Day in the Second District.
“It was our goal to design the Julian Library Community Room to be a seamless addition to the existing Library,” said COAR Project Manager Chris McMurry. “We wanted to create a welcoming space where everyone can come together—whether for educational programs, local meetings and events, or simply a quiet place to unwind. This new space will be a hub for connection and learning in the Julian community for years to come, and you could see that on the faces of all in attendance at the ribbon cutting.”