Sunnyvale opens first branch library in northern part of city

North Sunnyvale, long regarded as an underserved part of the city, finally has a branch library after 14 years of discussion, negotiation and construction. The Lakewood Branch Library and Learning Center opened with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Halloween morning. The $29 million building covers 20,000 square feet and holds 27,500 books, videos and other materials, along with meeting rooms and a “maker lab” with equipment including a 3D printer, laser cutter and sewing machines. “The residents of North Sunnyvale have been wanting additional services,” Mayor Larry Klein, who dressed as Willy Wonka for the occasion, told San José Spotlight. “Making sure this building becomes a hub for North Sunnyvale is one of the biggest goals for us.” Sunnyvale resident Lang Xiang and her 4-year-old son Ethan at the opening of the Lakewood Branch Library and Learning Center on Oct. 31, 2026. Photo by Mike Langberg. Discussions on building the city s first branch library — the main library is near downto