North Clairemont

Second only to North Park, the North Clairemont branch is one of the oldest libraries in the SDPL system that I've visited over the course of this blog. Opened in 1962, the exterior of the branch is very reminiscent of the time period, with Googie style architecture and a roof designed to look like it's floating above the building. The library was designed by San Diego architect Robert J. Platt, who also designed the current Oak Park and San Carlos branch libraries in addition to numerous residences and businesses in throughout San Diego. Accordingly, the North Clairemont branch has a similar size and organization to the Oak Park and San Carlos branches; it's around 4,000 square feet, maybe a bit less, and every part of the branch is in one main room.

Entrance and Roof of Library (photo from Roadarch.com)

While small, the library doesn't feel cramped, and is well kept despite its age. All of the main stacks are in the back left part of the building, while the right side has computer and seating areas.

Clairemont neighborhood of San Diego began to develop to its current form in the 1950s as a postwar planned community. It's primarily a middle-class residential area, inhabited by families and retirees. Clairemont Mesa area covers a very large geographic area, and the neighborhood actually has three different SDPL branches within its borders: North Clairemont, Clairemont, and Balboa.