The Richmond Main Library on Civic Center Plaza will close for two years for a $30 million renovation to address what the city describes as “critical life-safety and maintenance issues.” The work is slated to be finished by fall 2027. The library’s final day of operation before the renovation is Thur., July 31.
Starting Aug. 1, the main library’s services will be transferred to the Nevin Avenue conference rooms in the Richmond Memorial Auditorium at 403 Civic Center Plaza. The city’s two other public libraries — the West Side Branch Library at 135 Washington Ave. in Point Richmond and the Bayview Branch Library at 5100 Hartnett Ave. — remain open, including on Saturdays in August.
The remodel of the 76-year-old library is being funded by the city, as well as a $9.7 million grant from the California State Library awarded in October 2022, and will include making seismic upgrades, installing a new fire alarm and automatic fire sprinkler system, new lighting, air systems and lighting. (See the city’s detailed breakdown of the renovation.)
Last year, the city considered putting a bond on the November ballot to raise money for various infrastructure projects, including what would have been an expansion of the Civic Center library branch, but the idea didn’t garner enough support and it was eventually voted down by the City Council.
A closing ceremony before the library shutters will be held on Thur., July 31, with a bubble party, 1-3 p.m. and a cello concert, 6-7 p.m. The Richmond Main Library is at 325 Civic Center Plaza.Â
Tracey Taylor contributed reporting to this story.
