There are many great Art Deco examples in Berkeley but my favorite one is the Berkeley Public Library. The Berkeley Main Library was designed by architect James Plachek in 1934, during the height of the Great Depression, at the corner of Kittredge Street and Shattuck Ave. in downtown Berkeley. The building was funded by the proud community of Berkeley as an icon of hope during this very difficult time. The construction of the original structure was a design that was made to last, and that is exactly what it did for 71 years until it was renovated. The building was originally made out of Mayan-influenced exterior friezes, dark oak molding and marble trim throughout, furniture custom-made to match the soaring windows, the same linoleum (never replaced until the 1998 reconstruction) used in battleships, and three floors of sturdy stacks. Renovation remodeling and restoring began in 1998 and went on for four years until 2002. The building reopened in 2002 twice the size of the original structure and fully prepared to last another century with the latest technology. In November of 2005 the Berkeley Public Library was designated as a National Landmark.
There are many notable and recognizable Deco characteristics. First, it was constructed during the height of the Deco movement during the 20’s and 30’s. The building definitely takes on a number of geometric shapes mixed together, exhibiting aspects in a modern version of the Cubism form. Detailed carved ornaments run along the ‘eye-level’ lower part of the building beneath the soaring windows that practically travel from floor to ceiling. All the facades have a series of setbacks that serve as a Deco-Cubism style design element. The setbacks run along the sides, the roofline, between each soaring window, at the entrance and throughout the exterior of the structure. The entrance is ‘highly stylized’ with carved ornaments surrounding the doors and mural like carvings along the walls. The color is green, what I consider to be a relatively bright color for a building, and it looks great.
Please take a look at the building in the pictures I have provided and if you are in the area, walk inside and take a look around. It is really what I consider to be a top-notch, five-star public library.

2090 Kittredge
Berkeley, CA 94704

Telephone: 510-981-6100
Cost: 0 USD per person
Hours: Monday - Tuesday: 12-8, Wedneday - Saturday: 10-6, Sunday: 1-5

General Directions:

Downtown Berkeley, at the corner of Kittredge Street and Shattuck Avenue.

Type: Sights & Activities
Tags: library public