Founded in 1895, Lick-Wilmerding High School's educational philosophy combines rigorous college preparation with offerings in technical, performing arts and visual arts. The library arts building represents the first phase of implementation of the master plan.

Located along the southern boundary of the central green, the library arts building establishes a new space at the heart of the campus creating a sense of enclosure and community. The building's orientation and stretch of windows take advantage of the views of San Francisco, connecting the school to the larger city community. Of the building's 17,000 square feet, 8,000 are dedicated to the second-floor library. The new library includes group study rooms, capacity for 25,000 volumes and special exhibit space for the school's collection of historic photographs and memorabilia. Studios for design/drafting, photography and fine art are located on the first floor as well as additional classrooms, faculty offices, an electronics shop and a computer writing lab.