A beautiful building with a long shelf life

All too often city planners sacrifice form for function when designing public buildings. That parochial mindset- driven primarily by budget- leaves many communities with aesthetically uninspired city-owned property that does very little to beautify a neighborhoodThe Camarillo Library stands as proof positive that civic buildings can not only serve a utilitarian purpose but also add real beauty and value to a community.

With its striking California mission-inspired architecture and its craftsman-styled interior, the library blends the comforts of a homey living room with the wealth of a growing book collection and the power of state-of-the-art technology.

Libraries are so important to every community because they are open to anyone who might not otherwise have access to books, computers or even a helpful tutor.

Yes, the bulk of the library's construction was funded by the state and city, but residents of Camarillo stepped up to ensure that the new building is well supplied with what makes it valuable: books.

Earlier this month, city officials announced that the grassroots "Next Chapter" fundraising campaign, which started in September, had exceeded its $1 million goal and has gone on to raise nearly $1.5 million.

At least 850 individuals have helped the campaign succeed so magnificently. The long list of donors reflects residents' strong sense of community, their belief in the importance of education and their understanding that the city's future depends on its present.

The Camarillo Library, 4101 Las Posas Road, opens its doors tomorrow at 10:30 a.m.