The Athenaeum Music & Arts Library, 1008 Wall St., expects a greater profile in the community as it reunites its buildings and expands as part of a $4-million project.
Expansion will double the size of the gallery, add a north reading room, additional stack space, a climate-controlled vault for special collections, a display area for the artists’ books collection and space for the School of the Arts on the first floor.
The Athenaeum will reclaim portions of the building it previously rented. The historical buildings will not be altered and the library will strive to maintain “the same atmosphere that everybody likes “” just enlarged,” Executive Director Erika Torri said.
Expanding will enable the library “to serve the community with more programs,” Torri added.
The library began its Campaign to Reclaim in 2002 and has since raised $4 million; local philanthropists Joan and Irwin Jacobs donated $1 million. The Athenaeum compared the Jacobs’ gift with Ellen Browning Scripps’ gift in the 1920s that funded the main portion of the building.
Fifty percent of the donations will be added to the endowment funds to generate interest and to offset lost income from tenants. The remaining money will fund the capital improvements.
Interior construction is anticipated to be completed by mid-summer and the library does not expect to close during construction. The Athenaeum last expanded in 1990.
The School of Arts has also begun its spring semester, which runs March 27 to May 13. Novice and experienced artists alike are invited to enroll in drawing, painting and sculpture classes; children’s lessons are also offered.
As the Athenaeum undergoes its reclamation, classes will adjourn offsite, at Torrey Pines State Reserve, the zoo or in front of a building in La Jolla. Classes are three hours long, and the cost ranges from $85 to $235, depending on the number of sessions.
Field trips and workshops are also in the mix. “Explore Colonial Mexico” will take artists to Morelia to see diverse folk art from April 4 through 10. For more information call (858) 268-4647.
The Athenaeum offers an expansive library of resources relating to music and art, including audio and video releases, periodicals and books. The library also hosts classical and jazz concerts and displays art. The Athenaeum’s newest exhibit called “Leaving a Mark” by artist Kathy Miller opens April 1, following a March 31 opening reception from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.
For more information about the Athenaeum and School of Art, call (858) 454-5872 or visit www.ljathenaeum.org.