Notes:
Notes:
"Construction began in November 1948, and the cornerstone was laid on May 7, 1949. Dedication ceremonies were held on January 7, 1951. Present were Library Director Peter Thomas Conmy (1943-1969), Mayor Clifford Rishell, Joseph Knowland, publisher and editor of the Oakland Tribune, and Governor Earl Warren. Governor Warren noted in his speech that "As one who has worked across the street in the Court House, as one who has lived here and raised children here, I share great joy with you in helping to open these doors of learning." The new building provided three times the square footage of the old Main Library. The style of the building has been characterized as "Public Works Administration Moderne," a simple, streamlined style favored in public buildings during and after World War II."