Design Draw Build Architects & Builders Celebrates Completion of New Children's Story Room at Berkeley Public Library

BERKELEY, California (June 5, 2026) — Design Draw Build Architects & Builders (DDB) proudly celebrates the completion of the new Children's Story Room at the Berkeley Public Library's Central Branch, to be unveiled during a community celebration on June 5, 2026.

Located on the fourth floor of the historic Central Library, the reimagined Story Room transforms an underutilized area into a vibrant destination for children, families, literacy programming, and community gatherings. Inspired by the warmth and wonder of a forest glade filled with books and fun—the space creates an inviting environment that encourages imaginative exploration and learning.

The project was completed through a collaborative partnership between the City of Berkeley, Berkeley Public Library, Berkeley Public Library Foundation, DDB Architects & Builders, and ABA Studios Architects. Construction and renovation efforts spanned approximately eight months and were made possible through the generosity of more than 600 Library Foundation donors. These donors—including funding partners, Bernard E. & Alba Witkin Charitable Foundation and the Friends of the Berkeley Public Library contributed over $271,000.

"The new Children's Story Room reflects so much of what makes libraries essential to a thriving community— early literacy and intergenerational community belonging," said Tyler Kobick, AIA, Principal & CEO of DDB Architects & Builders. "It's great to see the fourth floor transformed into a fun, uplifting, and endearing space for children. As an Oakland-based architect and builder, it has been incredibly rewarding to partner with Acting Director, Henry Bankhead and the Berkeley Public Library team to create a space that will inspire young readers and families for years to come. We are especially grateful to the Berkeley Public Library Foundation and their Executive Director, Kathy Huff for making this vision of modernizing portions of the historic library possible.”

Designed to support educational programming and everyday family visits, the new Story Room strengthens the library's role as a cultural gathering space. The unveiling celebration featured remarks from library leadership, a special appearance by author Maggie Takuda Hall, and a dance party led by DJ AvoColey.

For Kobick, the project also carried a personal significance, "This project has been especially meaningful for me because my family has a personal connection to the Berkeley Public Library," said Kobick. "Every year we visit the fourth floor during the Berkeley Old Time Music Convention, where I've seen firsthand how this space brings people together. It's exciting to see the library invest in a dedicated space that will support not only early literacy and children's programming, but also the cultural events and community traditions that make Berkeley so special."

The unveiling coincides with the launch of the Berkeley Public Library's annual Summer Reading Program. This year’s Summer Reading theme is “Plant a Seed” and honors Mr. Jacobs, the Library’s first African-American librarian who worked at Tarea Hall Pittman South branch from the 1960s until he retired in 1990.

DDB Architects and Builders look forward to seeing how the Children’s Story Room evolves as the rich community of Berkeley citizens engages with it in the years to come.