Redding Library to reopen following significant upgrades made with nearly $800K state grant

The Redding Library is finally fully reopening its doors on Feb. 17 after half a year of limited operation due to significant upgrades, made through a $798,000 state grant. 

The Building Forward Grant from the California State Library allowed Redding Library staff to make “critical” improvements to the facility, “allowing Shasta Public Libraries to modernize the Redding facility without relying heavily on local tax dollars,” a press release from the city of Redding read. 

According to the release, funds from the grant-funded project were used primarily for improvements to safety, accessibility and the long-term reliability of the facility. The project implemented a newly-designed family area on the main level, improved study spaces upstairs, funded new public computers and provided for the relocation of adult collections. Project funds were also used to install new carpeting and vinyl plank flooring throughout the building, reconfigure seating and shelving for better browsing and flow, and add 36 new security cameras to enhance safety as well as a backup generator to maintain services during power outages. 

“This is exactly the kind of opportunity we work hard to pursue,” Redding Community Services Director Travis Menne said in the press release. “Securing outside improvements of this scale means the City can preserve local resources for other community priorities while still delivering meaningful upgrades.” 

Why was the library closed for so long? 

The library closed for a few days at the beginning of last August for a carpet replacement project, and after it reopened, it was expected to be partially operational until October or November due to continued repairs and upgrades. However, the facility still hasn’t fully reopened because of delays in construction, Menne said in an email statement. 

Construction issues came when the shelving of the library was reinstalled, Menne said, explaining that the engineer, floor and safety specifications didn’t align well, and the flooring had to be removed and reinstalled after redesigning, adding unpredicted months of work. 

Because of those delays, Menne said staff decided to address a few other issues and conduct deep cleaning of the facility, as it was the “most opportune time to tackle a few odds and ends.” In all, the facility was closed for more than seven months.

The library will fully reopen on Tuesday, Feb. 17. It will return to standard hours, which are Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

The library will also be hosting events following the reopening of the building, including the Annual Gala on Feb. 21, A Hopeful Lunar New Year Celebration on March 7, Rev, Rumble, and Roar on April 18 and the Summer Reading Program from June to July. 

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