County library in Modesto set to reopen in October after $18 million renovation

Nearly two years after its closure for renovations, the Stanislaus County Library in downtown Modesto is set to reopen in October.

The building closed in November 2024 to address “critical infrastructure upgrades,” including updated heating and ventilation systems, elevator improvements and asbestos remediation.

Although the main library was slated to reopen this summer, additional necessary remediation for asbestos delayed the project.

The library — which originally opened in 1971 — had never been renovated, leaving it dated and with several accessibility issues.

“The building, you know, hadn’t had any real, significant work done to it since its opening in the early ’70s,” Laura Ferrell, a county spokesperson said. “So there were a number of ADA issues that have been addressed and improved upon.”

The $18 million project also included cosmetic improvements, such as a reimagined Early Learning space, new fixtures and updated furniture. Additionally, the library will have improved, energy-efficient lighting.

In the meantime, patrons have made use of a smaller, “express” library at 10th and J streets that does not offer the same services as a traditional branch, according to Ferrell. Space concerns forced the county to temporarily reduce services, such as certain scheduled programs for young children and comfortable study rooms.

Patrons can use the county’s 13 full-service branch libraries, including locations in Salida, Turlock, Oakdale, Riverbank, Ceres and Empire.

Over 200,000 books and other materials from the Modesto Library are stored in the Salida location, according to Ferrell. While patrons cannot browse through the materials and check them out, they are able to place hold requests and pick them up to from other locations.

While the immediate goal was to address much-needed safety and cosmetic concerns for a building over 50 years old, for Ferrell, the ultimate goal is much bigger.

“It’s always our goal to make sure that we are building that community of readers, right?” Ferrell said. “The library is really invested in supporting the community’s lifelong learning. It’s an investment in the idea that, as a community, (you can) have a space where anybody can go in and have free access to knowledge and critical materials… .”