North Branch Berkeley Public Library
James W. Plachek, Architect, 1936
City of Berkeley Landmark
Designated in 2001
North Branch Berkeley Public Library
James W. Plachek, Architect, 1936
North Branch Library is one of Berkeley’s many civic buildings by James Plachek, including the Central Library (1930), the Claremont Branch Library (1924), and John Muir School (1919). Well sited in a triangular park, the building offers a harmonious gateway to the surrounding Northbrae neighborhood. It was designed in the Spanish Revival style
with a low-pitched red tile roof, central tower, and deeply inset arched windows. The project was
funded by the Federal Works Progress Administration and the city. When it opened, civic leaders proclaimed this “one of the most beautiful public
buildings in the City of Berkeley.”
Berkeley Historical Plaque Project
2004
Marker is on The Alameda near Hopkins Street, on the right when traveling south.
Courtesy hmdb.org
