Ben Hensley<\/a><\/p>\nPatrons and members at Fresno County Public Libraries are in for some changes in the coming months, ranging from facilities upgrades to an entirely new library home, relocating one of the system\u2019s highest-traffic libraries after years of discussion.<\/p>\n
The investments, largely funded through Measure B \u2014 a voter-approved one-eighth cent sales tax dedicated to library facilities, programs and services \u2014 aim to improve facilities, enhancing the user experience and modernizing overall infrastructure.<\/p>\n
New space for Politi <\/p>\n
One of the most visible projects for the system remains the relocation of the Politi Branch Library, a move that will see the library more than triple its square footage, expanding its ability to provide education and workspace.<\/p>\n
Library officials first saw the opportunity to relocate in 2022 when the Rite Aid pharmacy located at the corner of First Street and Bullard Avenue permanently closed its doors, freeing up nearly 17,000 square feet of available space.<\/p>\n
Library officials said at the time that the Politi branch \u2014 located near schools and residential neighborhoods \u2014 had only six public computers and lacked adequate space for community events such as meetings and book sales.<\/p>\n
\u201cNew flooring has been installed throughout the facility, and a new staff workspace has been created to support daily library operations,\u201d said Susan Renfro, Fresno County Public Library marketing and community relations officer. \u201cAdditional improvements currently underway include a quiet room, meeting room, and study rooms, expanding the types of spaces available to patrons of the Leo Politi Library.\u201d<\/p>\n
The additional space will allow the library, which celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024, to incorporate separate areas for teens and children, including flexible seating, collaborative tables and activity spaces designed to support reading, studying and group work.<\/p>\n
Renovation work is nearing completion with library staff expecting the new Leo Politi Library to open in mid-2026. The project has a renovation budget of approximately $1.38 million.<\/p>\n
Central Library closed for up to two years<\/p>\n
In Downtown Fresno, the Central Library closed in February for renovations, with major infrastructure work expected to be completed by 2028.<\/p>\n
The 67-year-old facility is currently undergoing electrical, lighting and ceiling improvements, as well as basement renovations, including asbestos abatement and code compliance updates. The building, which opened in 1959, has already received new windows and a new roof, with upcoming work to include large-scale lighting system upgrades and electrical improvements scheduled to begin in late April.<\/p>\n
Funding for the project includes $4 million from the California State Library and $8 million in local funds, bringing the total investment to $12 million.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis project will modernize core building systems and ensure the facility can continue serving our community for years to come,\u201d library officials said in a statement in February.<\/p>\n
The closure led the library system to relocate its central distribution hub to warehouse space in the nearby Downtown Beehive building to support the movement of materials throughout the library system.<\/p>\n
The Heritage and Genealogy Center, housed at Central Library, will move to a by-appointment, phone-based system. Officials are exploring options for a temporary service location for the collection.<\/p>\n
Other improvements throughout the system<\/p>\n
In Selma, the local branch remains temporarily closed while major investments are completed at the building, which has served the community for more than 45 years.<\/p>\n
Renovations include a new roof, fire protection system and exterior siding, as well as ADA-compliant restroom upgrades and new flooring. The renovation also includes expanded meeting space, new shelving and furnishings.<\/p>\n
The Selma Library renovation is operating on a budget of just over $3.3 million, with officials anticipating the library could reopen in mid-2026.<\/p>\n
Construction that began in late 2025 on new library facilities in Clovis and Reedley focuses on replacing aging facilities with larger, purpose-built branches. Once completed, the Clovis Regional Library will become the largest library in the county. The Reedley project will triple the size of its existing branch.<\/p>\n
The Clovis project has a $25 million budget. The Reedley library is expected to cost just under $14 million.<\/p>\n
Opening dates have not yet been announced.<\/p>\n
Additional improvements nearing completion<\/p>\n
At the Woodward Park Regional Library in North Fresno, solar canopies are being installed in the parking lot to provide shade and generate renewable energy, reducing long-term utility costs. Construction began in late 2025 and is expected to wrap up later this year.<\/p>\n
The library system also announced a temporary closure of the Kingsburg Library to allow for flooring and lighting upgrades.<\/p>\n
Library officials say the projects reflect ongoing efforts to modernize existing locations as well as ensure that facilities are accessible and welcoming for residents across Fresno County while ensuring Measure B funds continue to support long-term system-wide improvements.<\/p>\n
\u201cTogether, these projects reflect the Fresno County Public Library\u2019s ongoing work to maintain and improve facilities across its system,\u201d Renfro said. \u201cThe Library will continue providing updates as construction and improvement projects move forward.\u201d<\/p>\n
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