The Fresno County Public Library’s main branch in downtown Fresno will close Feb. 15 for an 18- to 24-month renovation project funded by a state grant and Measure B sales tax revenue. Fresno County library photo
The Fresno County Public Library’s Central Library in Downtown Fresno will temporarily close Feb. 15 for a major infrastructure renovation expected to last 18 to 24 months, with completion projected for 2028.
The 67-year-old facility will undergo electrical system upgrades, lighting and ceiling improvements, basement renovation including asbestos abatement and compliance updates funded by a state grant and local sales tax measure.
“This project will modernize core building systems and ensure the facility can continue serving our community for years to come,” library officials said in a statement.
The renovation is supported by California’s Building Forward Library Facilities Improvement Program, which awarded Fresno County a grant in January 2024. The project is also funded by voter-approved Measure B, a one-eighth of a cent sales tax in Fresno County dedicated to library services.
As of January 2026, the county has completed 40% of the project, including roof replacement, dual-pane window installation on the first and second floors and fire alarm upgrades. The Department of Public Works and Planning has completed its assessment for the remaining 60% of grant-funded activities.
During the closure, patron holds currently set for Central Library will automatically be rerouted to West Fresno Library. Nearby alternatives include Betty Rodriguez Library, Mosqueda Branch Library, Gillis Library, Sunnyside Regional Library and Easton Library.
The Heritage and Genealogy Center, housed at Central Library, will continue to assist patrons by phone and email during the closure. Library officials said they are exploring options for a temporary public service location for the special collection and will announce arrangements once confirmed.
The Central Library closure comes as the library system continues work on other facilities. The Selma branch remains closed for remodeling, with library officials working through final improvements to the building. A reopening date has not been announced.
The Selma branch closed for renovations in October 2024.
The current Downtown Fresno building opened April 13, 1959, replacing a 1904 Carnegie Library. It serves as the primary hub for the county library system, housing administration offices, materials acquisition, facilities maintenance, IT services, the literacy department, federal and state government document repositories and more.
The state awarded more than $312 million in 2022 to 246 local libraries addressing critical maintenance needs in 182 cities across 34 counties. For more information, visit fresnolibrary.org or call 559-600-READ.