“It will reflect the sky and clouds"

On Tuesday night residents got an up-close look at the new library they’ve been wanting for years.

They also got a closer look at the numbers — a breakdown of the $22.5 million project cost.

The schematic model of the new library, which will replace the 35-year-old 12,000-square-foot building in the same location on Highland Avenue, features three transparent glass sides, with the south side facing a commercial building made of natural wood.

Architect Jim Favaro’s goals for the building, based on feedback from the community, were activating the Civic Plaza, creating more open space and activating that block of Highland Avenue which “dies north of Manhattan Beach Boulevard.”

The new 22,000-square-foot two-story building will move closer to the front of the site on Highland Avenue.

The transparent glass composing the front of the building will allow those inside to feel integrated with the activity and pedestrians on Highland Avenue, Favaro said. Potentially using double layers of glass will create a variety of striking light effects, Favaro said.

“It will reflect the sky and clouds. The glass almost disappears. We want it to be as light as possible,” he said.