Fresno’s largest public library will soon close for 2 years for major upgrades
The Central Library in downtown Fresno will close for about two years as crews add upgrades and work on abatement in the 60-year-old downtown hub.
The downtown location has already seen some work to its windows and fire alarm system under the the $9 million project paid for by state grant money and local tax dollars from voter-approved Measure B, the one-eighth cent sales tax, according to officials.
But, beginning the day after Valentine’s Day, the library on Mariposa Street between O and N streets will temporarily close its doors for 18 months to two years.
The improvements to the building are an attempt to keep the 82,000-square-foot library functional and sustainable as it ages, County Librarian Sally Gomez said in a news release.
The downtown library opened in 1959 and is the headquarters of the 33 sites in Fresno County. It also plays a role in the San Joaquin Valley Library System, which connects the book depositories from Merced to Kern counties including locations in the foothills.
Library officials said work has already been completed on a roof replacement, fire alarm upgrades and replacement of dual pane windows that dated back to the library’s opening in 1959.
The next phase includes infrastructure like upgrades to the electrical system and lighting, as well as modernizing the ceiling. Officials also plan a renovation of the basement level, which is generally not accessible by the public.
Library staffers stress other locations of the library will remain open and offer the same access to books, DVDs, video games and other media.
Measure B was passed by voters in 1998 and renewed in 2012 through 2029.
