Aptos, Calif., April 8, 2024 — Santa Cruz Public Libraries recently reopened its new Aptos Library branch after an 18 month, total reconstruction effort. Designed by San Jose-based Anderson Brulé Architects (ABA) and constructed by Santa Cruz builder Bogard Construction (Bogard) through a design-build contract, the Aptos Branch has been re-imagined to meet the requirements of contemporary library patrons, with the ABA and Bogard team diligently integrating feedback from the local Aptos community into the design-build process.

“The Aptos Library will be a tremendous asset for the community for many years to come,”said Bogard Construction President Jared Bogaard. “Bogard Construction is honored to have partnered with the County of Santa Cruz for this project, as it is a true example of how successful design/build deliveries can be on public projects. Our partnership with ABA Architects was a resounding success, and we are proud of our entire design and subcontractor team members. We are profoundly grateful to the representatives of the County for their unwavering commitment to this project. This is a project we can all be proud of.”

The 12,408 square-foot, $12.4M library includes a new community room, a dedicated teen space and patio, three group study rooms, an adult reading room with an adjoining patio, curated displays from the Aptos History Museum, a dedicated children’s area, and the enchanting Live Like Coco Foundation Children’s Reading Garden.

Situated on a prominent corner location, the library’s exterior is designed to reflect the rich history of the Aptos community as well as its unique environment, stretching from the forest to the sea. A large window provides the community with a view into the library, which is especially noticeable at night. Boasting a footprint over 50 percent larger than its predecessor, it also offers expanded parking facilities to better accommodate visitors. Additionally, the building is equipped with ample solar panels, large windows to invite natural light, landscaped gardens and terraces, and versatile community spaces to accommodate various activities and events.

“As architects, we don’t approach projects with a particular design solution and aesthetic in mind,” said ABA Design Principal Mark Schoeman, AIA. “And this attitude is especially important on projects with such uniquely public characters as libraries. So, when we started work on the new Aptos Branch Library building, we looked to community meetings not only to give us direction for the design but to emphasize that Aptos residents are valued partners in creating a building that ultimately belongs to them.”

The design-build delivery method brings optimal collaboration between the contractor, architect, county and library to bring the best facility to serve this community. Benefits include efficiency, cost-effectiveness, design and construction timeline, and community engagement. The Aptos Branch Library building process, from design to development, was managed by the County of Santa Cruz Director of Capital Projects, Damon Adlao, in collaboration with Bogard Construction and ABA.

“The community, Library, County, ABA, and Bogard successfully worked together to build the Aptos Branch Library,” said Adlao. “This new Library reflects the surrounding community from the forest to the ocean and will offer a space for the community to come together. The branch will be a distinct treasure that the community will value for generations to come, and I am honored to have been able to be a part of this process.”

The Aptos Branch Library has been developed as a net-zero structure and produces as much energy as it uses over the year. Furthermore, it is designed to require just half the energy of a typical library, making it an extremely efficient building. The building’s orientation will maximize sunlight not only for generating solar energy but also for interior illumination. Skylights will minimize the need for artificial lighting, even in the most centrally located interior spaces In addition, drought-tolerant landscaping will support low water usage and mitigate stormwater runoff, and water will be filtered using bioswales.

“Our beautiful new library in Aptos embodies the values of our community, from its commitment to lifelong learning and civic engagement, to its thoughtful design, which reflects not only Aptos’ history and a unique setting at the intersection of land and sea, but also includes energy-efficient design features,” interim Director Eric Howard said. “This will be a community asset for generations to come.”

About Anderson Brulé Architects, Inc.

Founded in 1984, San Jose-based ABA is an architecture, interiors, and strategic planning firm dedicated to working with clients in the Community, Educational, and Health & Wellness markets. Throughout 40 years of practice, the firm has expressed its vision of design through the creation of community-oriented buildings that are welcoming, sustainable, and holistic. From libraries and community centers to academic and healthcare spaces, ABA works with diverse project types across California. To learn more, visit http://aba-arch.com.

About Bogard Construction, Inc.

Bogard Construction was founded in Santa Cruz in 1947 by Victor Bogard, Sr. Currently owned and operated by third and fourth-generation family members, Bogard provides General Contracting, Design/Build, Construction Management, and Project Management services throughout northern California. Bogard’s experience extends across a wide array of project sizes and types - including healthcare, multi-residential, churches, retail, schools, office buildings, libraries, and more. To learn more about Bogard Construction, visit www.bogardconstruction.com.

About Santa Cruz Public Library System

Santa Cruz Public Libraries (SCPL) brings people, information, and resources together to enrich lives and strengthen the community. SCPL gives every Santa Cruz community member the opportunity to learn through educational resources, classes, and staff support. The Library develops programs for the broad community as well as for specific groups like students, seniors, and those who are most vulnerable, including the unhoused and incarcerated. SCPL also curates specialty collections, like genealogy and local history. Learn more about SCPL at SantaCruzPL.org or on social media. To access the SCPL Press Kit visit https://www.santacruzpl.org/press-kit/.

About the Department of Community Development & Infrastructure

The County of Santa Cruz Department of Community Development & Infrastructure serves all unincorporated areas in the county. The department’s mission is to improve customer service, streamline projects, and to align public infrastructure and private development to further County goals in attainable housing, reliable transportation, and sustainable environment. For more information, visit https://dpw.co.santa-cruz.ca.us or follow the department on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter and Nextdoor. 

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