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.

There are four (4) main components to the project:

• A 3,600 S.F. addition inclusive of a meeting room and a multipurpose room with an adjacent outdoor courtyard for customer enjoyment and hosting community events; and,
• A new outdoor programing area for children and teens; and,
• A complete renovation of the interior & exterior that will update the look and feel of the library while allowing the facility to host a wider array of services with improved acoustic separation; and,
• A complete upgrade of mechanical, electrical, and structural systems improving the efficiency and safety of the facility.

The library building’s aging infrastructure needs to be addressed and it is more cost effective and efficient to address the systems in one major project with the expansion, since many of the systems are all connected.

Library staff conducted public town hall meetings and one-on-one stakeholder conversations and worked with a consultant to conduct telephone surveys as well as online and paper surveys during two library strategic planning sessions in 2016 and 2022. Stakeholder conversations were held during 2020-21 which informed the Library’s updated Facilities Master Plan which calls for the expansion and renovation of the Cultural Center Library. During Spring 2022, the project design team engaged with library staff and the community through focus groups, workshops, a survey, and interactive boards to solicit input and feedback on the proposed Cultural Center Library project. Based on community needs and desires and discussions with library staff, four key opportunities arose for enhancing customer experience at the library: expansion of programming and meeting space, reposition of library resources, zoning of activities, and environment and system upgrades. The Library Commission and Library Board meetings also provided an opportunity for community input.

The project is expected to take 15 months to complete from August 2024 to approximately November 2025.

Yes, the library will have to close for safety reasons. The library will close at 5:00PM on Friday, August 23, 2024. Customers may visit the downtown Town Square Library for library materials, services, and programs. Beginning September 2024, the Town Square Library hours will be expanded temporarily during the Cultural Center Library project. Also in September, storytimes and special programs also will take place at the Ulatis Community Center; please check the library’s website and events calendar for more information.

All Cultural Center Library holds will automatically be changed to Town Square Library for pick up if not checked out by Friday, August 23, 2024. If you want to pick up your materials from another library, you may change the pickup location online (or by using the mobile app) or seek assistance from library staff.

No. Materials may be returned to any other Solano County Library branch.

The project will replace 30-year-old aging infrastructure with all new energy efficient equipment. In addition to upgrading lighting, heating & cooling systems, the existing building envelope (walls, windows & roof) will be repaired and upgraded to provide improved energy performance. A new addition to the library will use ecological building materials with new high-performance window wall systems.

The Vacaville Library District Board approved a project budget of $24.5 million. The project is being financed by the Library District’s savings of unexpended funds accrued through public facility fees, property taxes, sales taxes, rental income, and interest revenue over a ten-year period.

The library will have a large meeting room, a multipurpose room, additional restrooms, a quiet reading room, an expanded children’s area, additional group study rooms, a single service point for customer assistance, a dedicated Friends of the Library bookstore, an outdoor courtyard off the meeting room, and an outdoor program space for teens and children.

The best phone number to reach the library is 1-866-57-ASKUS (1-866-572-7587). All calls to 707-784- 1543 will be forwarded to the Town Square Library.

Fencing will surround the Library portion of the complex and construction will take place Monday-Friday during business hours. The addition is planned for the northeastern corner of the existing library and should not impact the rest of the complex. Construction activities will be coordinated with the Performing Arts Theater and adjacent Community Center to minimize impacts to the Library’s neighbors during community events.

The existing puppet tree will be replaced with a new tree to delight the imagination of library users. It still is being determined what will happen to the existing puppet tree.

Yes. Updates will be available on the Library’s website (solanolibrary.com) and social media.

Yes. The Friends of the Vacaville Libraries are planning on holding limited sales at the Vacaville Town Square Library. Keep checking the Events Calendar for details.