Beginning August 1, the Richmond Main Library will close its doors as it undergoes a renovation. Construction is anticipated to last 18 months.
Our branches are open regular hours – plus Saturdays in August!
- Bayview Branch – 5100 Hartnett Ave.
- West Side Branch – 135 Washington Ave.
Borrowing from another library or placing a hold?
Place your hold for pickup at
- Bayview Branch – 5100 Hartnett Ave.
- West Side Branch – 135 Washington Ave
According to the City of Richmond, The Building Forward project is made possible by a $9.7 million grant from the California State Library awarded in October 2022. The City of Richmond appropriated 50% matching funds to create an almost $15 million budget to address critical life-safety and maintenance issues in the historic Main Library.
Information about the Building Forward grant funded portion of the Main Library Infrastructure Project is below.
In May 2023 the City Council appropriated an additional $15 million to provide for further renovation of the Library building. This funding will ensure completion of the grant-funded projects and create opportunities for renovations driven by community needs and input.
Back on November 19, 2024, the Richmond City Council appropriated an additional $4,100,000 for the Main Library Renovation.
With this additional funding the project budget is now $34 million.
Between October 2023 and June 2024, additional structural and system issues were identified and cost estimates for the design plans exceeded the available funding. Combined, staff identified a shortfall costing approximately $4.1 million.
This additional funding will cover the following improvements:
- Replacing the roof – the roof is 15 years old and leaks. A major renovation to the building without replacing a roof that is nearing its lifespan may be a disservice to the community and not recommended for a long-term solution.
- Replacing the photovoltaic system (solar panels) – the panels are not working properly and need to be replaced.
- Upgrading the generator – the current generator cannot power the Library building during power outages due to capacity limitation and requires upsizing to meet the Library electricity needs and support the building as a resiliency center.
- New trash enclosure – building a dedicated trash enclosure will help with keeping the facility clean. Currently there is no trash enclosure for the building.
- Water proofing in the basement – the Library has a tunnel/crawl space around the perimeter of the building which connects to a central basement location under the building. Improving the water proofing system will mitigate and prevent water damage.
