A Very Public Library : Architecture, Arts Invite Frequent Use by San Juan Patrons

When architect Michael Graves made his first sketches of the San Juan Capistrano Regional Library, he saw the future structure as more than just a warehouse for books--he envisioned a living institution of learning for the entire community.

Today, 10 years after the library opened its doors, “it’s a living monument to that idea,” said Library Director Jose Aponte, relaxing in a plush reading couch on the eve of the facility’s 10th anniversary celebration.

People have come to San Juan Capistrano’s library to be married, to learn to read, listen to a jazz or folk concert under a starry sky, to vote, to hear lectures and poetry, or to look at art exhibits. Students come to study and conduct research, and tourists and architects come to gaze at the building’s unique design and style. Many come for the simple pleasure of stealing away in one of the library’s many cozy nooks to read a good book, undisturbed.

But the library, at 31495 El Camino Real, didn’t always symbolize peace and tranquillity. Former Councilman Ken Friess remembers the controversy generated in the old mission town when Grave’s distinctive $1.6-million design was chosen over 140 others.

“Some people felt San Juan Capistrano should remain very traditional in the old mission style and not take a chance on something controversial,” Friess said.

The design is rooted in the Spanish colonial style, but Graves’ modernist interpretation, which included Spanish, Egyptian and Mayan influences, caused some concern.

Still, on opening day on Dec. 4, 1983, a crowd of 300 ignored a rain forecast to attend the library’s opening ceremonies. At the time, then-Councilman Friess declared it was the “first real public building in the city since the stones were laid for the mission 200 years ago.”

Volunteer and library docent Mollie Burke, who has led hundreds of tour groups from Japan, Germany, Mexico and elsewhere through the library, is a big fan of the architecture.

“Because of its design and because it’s unique, it holds its space,” Burke said.

A dozen towers with pyramid-shaped tile roofs surround a courtyard that has a reflecting pool, lattice garden gazebos and Cypress trees. The library, which has been described by some observers as “architecturally poetic,” is divided into four major parts: the courtyard, the adult section, which surrounds the courtyard, a children’s wing and an auditorium.

The library’s long corridor along the book stacks and its natural light can even make it a somewhat mystical place, Aponte said. He recalls working on his computer in the library one Sunday with all of the lights off and only natural light falling onto his computer.

“In that moment I was somehow caught between the 21st Century and a 15th-Century baroque library,” he said, smiling.

The library’s 4,000 members can choose from more than 85,000 books, magazines and videotapes. Each month, more than 21,000 items are checked out. In addition, the library hosts 26 cultural programs a year attended by about 15,000 people.

The library also was the birthplace of the Decorative Arts Study Center, which still presents decorative arts exhibits in the library’s Sala auditorium.

For children there is a summer reading program, bilingual story time, puppet shows, Ballet Folklorico classes and lots of places for individual reading.

However, the library is suffering from the recent state cuts in library funding that have reduced the county library system’s annual budget from $27 million in fiscal 1992-93 to $19 million in 1993-94, Aponte said. Already the library here has had to cut its bestseller purchases from 90 to 19 books a month and its magazine subscriptions by 20%. Library hours have also been reduced by 40%.

“That cut was devastating because libraries are constantly evolving,” Aponte said. “People don’t stop learning. They don’t stop publishing books. Math and science don’t stop. . . . You develop a rapport with the community, and the sad part is, you are unable to satisfy those needs.”

Yet, despite its financial situation, the library retains its warm atmosphere.

“You read a book and you want to be able to lose yourself in that book,” Burke said. “And you do.”

An open house celebrating the library’s 10th anniversary will be held from 1 to 4 p.m. Author Ray Bradbury, a frequent visitor, will deliver a speech starting at 8 p.m. Book signings are at 7 and 9 p.m.