MLK Library photo
Photo of San Jose's old main library (MLK).
Photographer unknown.
I loved this building... but not everyone did. Architects were Norton Curtis & Assoc. The building was constructed in the late 1960s and opened in 1970. When I was in grad school (in the 90s!), I used to study here. People used to say that it was dark inside... but I don't remember that at all. I loved that you entered on a bridge hovering over sunken gardens. I loved that the architects really made an effort to integrate the design with the Civic Center across the street, which was built in the mid 1930s in a Spanish Colonial / Mission Revival style. Note the library's arched windows. Anyway, people either loved or hated this building, and the opinions were strong. It came down in the 2000s for an extension of the convention center... the main building of which I find hideous. Speaking of strong opinions... LOL.
MLK Library photo
Photo of San Jose's old main library (MLK).
Photographer unknown.
I loved this building... but not everyone did. Architects were Norton Curtis & Assoc. The building was constructed in the late 1960s and opened in 1970. When I was in grad school (in the 90s!), I used to study here. People used to say that it was dark inside... but I don't remember that at all. I loved that you entered on a bridge hovering over sunken gardens. I loved that the architects really made an effort to integrate the design with the Civic Center across the street, which was built in the mid 1930s in a Spanish Colonial / Mission Revival style. Note the library's arched windows. Anyway, people either loved or hated this building, and the opinions were strong. It came down in the 2000s for an extension of the convention center... the main building of which I find hideous. Speaking of strong opinions... LOL.