Patrons of the 4S Ranch Library will have a modified experience starting Monday and continuing for the next seven weeks as the library undergoes around $1 million in renovations.
The library building will not be accessible to the public from March 16 through May 5. Library programs will be put on hold and there will be a bookmobile to access materials in the parking lot at 10433 Reserve Drive, library officials said.
“This is the first major maintenance project at this location,” said Ashley Enriquez, marketing manager for the San Diego County Library system. “The improvements involve multiple contractors and will affect the entire library, making a temporary closure necessary to complete the work as quickly as possible and ensure the safety of both staff and the public.”
The 4S Ranch Library was built by Newland Communities as part of its 4S Ranch development agreement with the county. It opened on April 26, 2007 and is among the top five busiest of the 33 branches in the county library system, according to the Friends of the 4S Ranch Library’s website.
The Friends raise money to augment the library’s programming and materials budgets.
The 4S Ranch Library at 10433 Reserve Drive. (Elizabeth Marie Himchak)
The planned renovations include a refresh of the public restrooms, replacing flooring throughout the building and upgrading its HVAC (heating/cooling) system in order to improve its overall reliability and comfort, Enriquez said.
“The project is focused on addressing key building components that have reached the end of their useful life and ensuring the library remains safe, comfortable and welcoming for the community,” she said.
“The work is funded through the library’s Major Maintenance Improvement Project Fund, which is specifically designated for sustaining and reinvesting in existing facilities to extend their lifespan and maintain service quality,” Enriquez added.
Library patrons will still be able to borrow and return materials and access free Wi-Fi during the closure due to the bookmobile.
The bookmobile’s hours will be noon to 6 p.m. Tuesdays, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, and closed on Sundays and Mondays.
“The bookmobile is approximately the size of a bus,” Enriquez said. “It will have items that customers have requested and a limited browsing collection of new and popular books and movies for adults, teens and children.
“People may also return items at the bookmobile, place new holds on items and Wi-Fi will be available,” she said. “The bookmobile doesn’t have public seating, instead it is designed for material pickups.
“Customers at 4S Ranch Library often reserve items online, by phone or in person with library staff, allowing them to access materials from across our system,” Enriquez said. “This practice influenced the decision to provide bookmobile service during the closure.”
She added that patrons who want to access library programs or full library service can visit nearby county branches. These include Poway, Ramona, Rancho Santa Fe and San Marcos. For addresses and hours, visit sdcl.org.
The San Diego Public Library also has nearby city branches, including those in Rancho Bernardo, Carmel Mountain Ranch and Rancho Peñasquitos. For addresses and hours, visit sandiego.gov/public-library.