Stanislaus leaders OK timing of Modesto Library closure. Spooky Story Time set for late October
The Modesto Library is set for a major renovation that will close the facility for an extended time but transform it into a modernized facility.
Stanislaus County supervisors approved the plan Tuesday evening without discussion. The library, at 1500 I Street, is set to close Nov. 30 for critically needed renovations including asbestos remediation, heating and air conditioning improvements, elevator retrofits and lighting.
The county plans to reopen the library about 20 months later in summer 2026. Thanks to a Lifelong Legacy fundraising campaign, the modernized library will reopen with further enhancements and amenities, such as a Quiet Reading Room and a reimagined Early Learning space, a news release said Wednesday.
"I know this temporary closure may feel long, but the transformation will be significant," County Librarian Sarah Dentan said. "We're so excited to create a welcoming, vibrant and accessible space where the community can create, learn and discover."
The $18.1 million renovation project is funded through a $9.97 million state library improvement grant, local library funding and county investments in the library system.
In addition, Modesto allocated $500,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds for new furnishings and equipment. Friends of the Modesto Library have raised $2.74 million in donations thus far through the Lifelong Legacy campaign , which has a $3 million goal.
The temporary library closure will affect library programs and activities regularly offered to the community. Library officials are looking for alternative locations for those programs during the renovation project.
A month before the library closes, a special Story Time event will be held at McHenry Mansion from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Oct. 29. The McHenry Mansion Spooktacular will feature a spooky Story Time for children, along with a costume parade, trick-or-treating and other activities on the McHenry Mansion grounds, across the street from the library.
The free event is for children and their families. Halloween costumes are encouraged but not required.
Options for checking out materials
The library's collection of books and materials will be moved to the Salida Library mostly for protection during the messy renovation project. The collection will be housed in a closed area of the Salida library, but library cardholders will be able to place a hold on items and have them sent to a library branch near them.
A book drop will remain available outside the Modesto Library, in the parking lot area. An express library, with a small selection of books, will open Jan. 6 at Tenth Street Plaza, 1002 10th St., for picking up holds, returning materials and other services Monday through Saturday.
County library officials said other branch libraries in Salida, Empire and Riverbank are within 10 1/2 miles of the downtown Modesto library.
