North Berkeley Library
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."