The 215 Washington St. property is currently occupied by the IBEW Union building, which will be demolished to make way for the library. Demolition of the existing facility and groundbreaking on the new building is currently scheduled for the fall of 2005. The new Mission Hills/Hillcrest Branch Library is slated to open in October 2007.

Upon completion, the facility slated for 215 Washington St. will replace the current Mission Hills Branch Library that is located at 925 W. Washington St. The existing 3,850-sf building, which dates back to 1961, is one of the smallest branch libraries in San Diego.

The new Mission Hills/Hillcrest branch will encompass a total of 15,000 sf and will house a computer lab, community meeting space, special areas designed for children and teens, as well as expanded general seating and collection space. "The location of the library adjacent to Florence Elementary School and the inclusion of computer labs and space for children make this project a perfect fit for area students," says Toni Atkins, the San Diego councilmember responsible for the Third District.<p