Background

In the spring of 2002 the Tulare County Library applied for grant funds from the California Library Bond Act of 2000 to remodel and expand the Visalia Branch Library. On December 19, 2002, this project was approved by the Library Bond Act Board, providing funds of $3,426,131 towards this project. These funds represent 65 percent of the projected costs. The remaining funds will be provided through a local partnership of the County of Tulare, the City of Visalia, and voluntary contributions. The City of Visalia has committed to $500,000. Tulare County has committed to over $750,000 from the County's Millennium Fund. The Visalia/Tulare County Library Foundation has spearheaded the drive to raise $650,000 in contributions. As of December of 2005, more than $500,000 had been contributed or pledged to the Foundation for this project. Tulare County is serving as the lead agency in this project. State funds are administered through the Office of Library Construction, a division of the State Library.

WHAT WILL THE PROJECT ACCOMPLISH?

The 1936 Library building has served as a storage facility since the 1976 Library was opened. Over the past three decades, the condition of the 1936 building has gradually deteriorated. Because of its historic nature and architectural features, there was a strong desire within the community to preserve the 1936 building. It was further proposed that the renovation of this building serve as the new Children's wing of the Visalia Library. This project will renovate the 1936 Library building and construct a new lobby connecting the two library buildings. Additional renovation of the 1976 building will be done to provide improved services, increased safety, and better access

HOW WILL LIBRARY SERVICE IMPROVE?

The new Children's wing will double the space available for children's programs and activities. It will provide room for a larger book collection and increase the number of public computers for children. This project will also provide for a homework center within the Children's wing. In addition to the Children's wing this project will improve access to Library Administration, expand the library's meeting room facilities, and provide an improved public computer lab.