Stanislaus leaders OK more space at Salida to prepare for major work at Modesto library
Stanislaus County supervisors gave the green light Tuesday for improvements at the Salida library to house the downtown Modesto library collection during a 16-month renovation.
The Modesto library will be closed to the public during much of 2025 and 2026 as the county removes asbestos materials and modernizes the main floor. The major project is expected to begin in spring 2025.
The Salida library on Sisk Road is large enough to temporarily hold the Modesto library’s books and other materials, which will allow people to check out items while the downtown building is closed.
About 10% of the 61,000-square-foot Salida library building is vacant space. The $1.2 million in improvements approved Tuesday will turn three empty rooms into a large space for the relocated bookshelves, will include ceiling tiles, lighting, flooring and paint, and will add electrical and data hookups for staff.
After the downtown library is open again, the county will have 6,000 square feet of finished space at the Salida library in case there is need for expanded services there.
The long-overdue work at the Modesto library will remove asbestos above the ceiling of the main floor but also will include extensive upgrades that were postponed by the asbestos hazard for years. The $18.1 million renovation will include an elevator retrofit, ceiling tile replacement, lighting upgrades, wiring, heating and air-conditioning improvements, a redesigned main floor and better access for the disabled.
Officials expect a $9.97 million state grant will cover about half the cost of renovating the Modesto library. The county’s flagship library serves the city’s 218,000 residents and has annual circulation of 437,000 library materials used by the public.
Library administration and 27 staff members are expected to move into temporary quarters at the Salida branch during the extensive renovation project.
The library system has planned to offer at other locations downtown temporary services including children’s story time and new book checkouts. Those opportunities will be announced closer to the start of construction.
This story was originally published February 8, 2024 at 7:00 AM.
