Carlsbad CA— Carlsbad City Library on Dove Lane will be closed from Feb. 23 through Feb. 28, as construction starts on a number of renovations that will modernize the 17 year old building to better meet the changing needs of the community.
Starting Feb. 29, the library will be open as a “mini library,” with limited services and a modified schedule through mid-April, when it will close again for final construction work that is expected to be completed in June.
“We are really pleased that we will be able to maintain services during most of the four-month construction process,” said Heather Pizzuto, director of the city’s Library & Cultural Arts Department. “Our goal is to minimize the inconvenience to our patrons while getting this project done as quickly as possible.”
The “mini library” will be operated from the children’s area at Dove and will provide services for all ages including:
- Hold pickups
- A selection of books, magazines, DVDs and CDs
- Computers with Internet access
- WiFi
Regular library programs and services will continue at the Cole Library and the Library Learning Center, which will both be open during construction. Some weekday children’s programs at Dove have moved to other community locations temporarily during construction. The regular drive-up book drop and a new donation bin will be available in the Dove Library parking lot. Library online services and resources will also remain available during construction.
The modernization and renovation of Cole Library on Carlsbad Village Drive will be completed by the end of February, with a community celebration scheduled Saturday, Feb. 27, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The free event will include a re-opening ceremony, tours, entertainment, children’s activities and more.
Improvements at Dove Library will focus on:
- Enhancing community gathering
- Creating a “living room” feel by adding seating areas for patron
- Redesigning the courtyard
- Adding a new patio and a café with expanded food and drink options.
Improved outdoor spaces will allow for new opportunities for outdoor library programs and events.
Enhanced technology, Wi-Fi connectivity and power access will make it easier for library patrons to use the library as a working, collaborative space. Additional study rooms and a new tech lab will allow the library to serve as a place to learn. Similar to the improvements at Cole Library, the Dove Library will also add dedicated teen areas where young adults can gather to study or collaborate. The renovation will also include a new Friends of the Library bookstore.
The Ruby G. Schulman Auditorium, located in the Carlsbad City Library complex, will be remodeled to improve accessibility and enhance visibility of the stage. The auditorium’s video production and other audio-visual equipment will be upgraded to digital technology.
The Carlsbad City Council approved an $11 million budget for the renovation of two of its libraries to meet the changing needs of the community in today’s digital age. $5.3 million was allocated for Cole Library, and $6.3 million for Dove Library. The renovation plans, shaped by community input, are designed to improve the user experience for the more than 65,000 monthly visitors to city libraries.
Carlsbad libraries circulate 1.3 million books, DVDs and other materials every year, along with providing a wide range of digital resources. About 85 percent of city residents visit the library in person or online every year and 57 percent use library services on a monthly basis.
For more information
Heather Pizzuto, 760-602-2056, heather.pizzuto@carlsbadca.gov