County of San Diego – Alpine Branch Library

Alpine Library is the County of San Diego’s first Zero Net Energy (ZNE) building. Located in Alpine, California, the approximately 12,700-square-foot, design-build library is more than four times the size of the previous facility. The new library provides access to a large collection of educational resources, in addition to hosting a variety of community events and learning services. The space also acts as a safety zone for residents of the rural community during emergencies. Two giant trees welcome visitors and provide a cozy nook for young readers, while teens and adults can gather in their own areas to enjoy a network of 42 million books, DVD movies and music CDs. The facility features a large children’s area for story times, crafts and early literacy activities; quiet study rooms, a homework center, public computers, a reading room complete with a fireplace, free Wi-Fi, computer lab, resource room for flexible programming, automated book check-in and check-out, Friends of the Library bookstore and an outdoor patio overlooking the nearby park.