All devices are color printers/copiers with scanning function (can scan to USB flash drive and/or print from USB)

Each branch has one printer/copier that accepts credit cards (Visa, MC, AMEX, Disc), Apple Pay and Android Pay.

Charge

Black & white print/copy – 10 cents per page

Color print/copy – 50 cents per page

Scan to USB – free

Technology

• 29 computers equipped for catalog, database and Internet research
• Wireless Network
• 3 printer/copiers
• 1 scanner

Equipment

• 1 Typewriter
• 2 Microform readers

Accessibility

Every public computer contains an Accessibility Wizard allowing customization for dexterity, hearing, and visual needs.  The Branch also has an adaptive keyboard and optical trackball available.  Please ask a staff member for more information or assistance.

The existing Vacaville Cultural Center was designed by Spencer & Associates in 1991 and opened in 1993; various cosmetic updates were made in the library over the last 17 years, while most of its enclosure and building systems remained unchanged. The most recent repair work occurred in 2005 (by Dean F. Unger AIA), which renovated the check-out/service area, computer center, and re-carpeted the main path of travel. The HVAC systems were renovated in 2006; and in 2021, an automatic materials handling system was installed at the northwest corner of the library. Water intrusion repairs were done by facility maintenance throughout the operations of the building. In approaching the fourth decade of operation, many of the materials and components have reached the final stages of their useful life and need to be replaced. A priority is placed on making the library’s exterior envelope last another 30 years to protect and preserve improvements (repairs or renovation) made to the interiors. Current library services are constrained by lack of space in the face of a growing Vacaville population. Existing program spaces such as the conference room and storytime room are too small for desired library events. Larger events must happen either outside or at the community center and confront scheduling limitations. Current study spaces are very popular, and there is high demand for more of them. There is also a demand for a balance between quiet spaces for reading and studying and nosier spaces for collaborations. The new addition occurs roughly in the same location, northeast corner of the existing library, as an originally planned 15,000 sq. ft. addition that was approved in the original 1991 design documents.

Branch Head

Mike Perkins, Supervising Librarian

Branch History

Library supporters took advantage of a 1911 state law that allowed the creation of unified high school and library districts, and formed what later became the Vacaville Unified School District/Library District.  A five-cent property tax yielded $1,000 for book purchases and maintenance, which made Vacaville eligible for a Carnegie library.  The Vacaville Public Library, with the distinctive pillars and pediment style of many Carnegie libraries, opened on Main Street in 1915.  The building served the community for over fifty years, and many longtime residents have fond memories of the building that now houses the Vacaville Chamber of Commerce.

By 1970, the Library was outgrowing its 4,000 square foot Carnegie building and moved to a new 10,000 square foot building on Merchant Street.  The passage of Proposition 13 in 1978 left the District without funds to operate independently and forced the library to close on June 13. It opened two weeks later, under a hastily developed agreement with Solano County Library.  A formal contract for library services was established in 1979.

In November of 1988, the citizens of Vacaville passed Measure I, a proposition that funded a new cultural center that included a library. In March of 1993, the new Vacaville Public Library opened in a 25,186 square foot building.

After 12 years of intense usage, the Cultural Center library needed a facelift and some renovation.  The library’s new carpeting and paint provide a welcome rejuvenation to the interior and give visual cues that orient users and help them find their way.  The renovation features a 15-seat computer center offering a wide spectrum of classes.  With the library’s wireless Internet access, anyone with a laptop, PDA, or Web-enabled cell phone can be online.

Vacaville residents have long understood the key role their library plays in the cultural, educational, and democratic well-being of their community.  With improved access, convenience and up-to-date technology, the Vacaville Public Library – Cultural Center serves as a focal point of civic and social life in the community.