The Alhambra Public Library through the Years   This beautiful Greek-style Alhambra Public Library building, opened in 1914, and stood for fifty years until it suffered massive structural damage from an earthquake in 1968, after which the building had to be demolished. The Main Street Library opened in 1975. Between 1970 and 2000, the city's population increased 38.1%, so that today the library is hampered by inadequate space, mechanical and electrical systems are not up to par, parking is insufficient, there is no space to add new materials, computers need to be rebooted often, children have to sit on the floor to read, and the community room had to be reconfigured for other purposes.  Due to the nature of the building and property site, the current facility is not opportune for expansion or rehabilitation to meet future needs.       Artist's renderings of the Alhambra Civic Center Library  (top) and exterior elevation (lower)  facing First Street. The new library will be comprised of a total floor area of 45,000 sq. ft. and a two-level underground parking garage with approximately 240 spaces. Service areas will feature specially-designed portals for each section, including areas for young children, teens & adults, and a Literacy Center and International Language collection. There will be a spacious multi-purpose room with an attached kitchen and outside access doors, as well as an outdoor patio reading area and onsite beverage kiosk.