Monterey County Free Libraries Announces Groundbreaking Celebration for Future East Garrison Library

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Be Astengo, Managing Librarian
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 831-884-4370

Monterey County Free Libraries Announces Groundbreaking Celebration for Future East Garrison Library

Marina, CA - September 2026 - Monterey County Free Libraries (MCFL) proudly invites the community to the official Groundbreaking Celebration for the future East Garrison Library on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at 10:00 AM.

The highly anticipated event marks the beginning of construction for a vital new community hub. The library will be 4,200 square feet, with a gathering room, outdoor space, EV charging, and a Sheriff's field office built in.

The groundbreaking ceremony will take place at the future library construction site, followed immediately by community festivities at neighboring Lincoln Park.

"We are really excited to get this project started," said Hillary Theyer, Library Director. "We know this library will be a wonderful addition to the East Garrison community."

"The library delivers on a long-term promise to the East Garrison community," said Monterey County Supervisor Wendy Root Askew. "Libraries are a critical part of healthy and connected neighborhoods. I'm grateful to the advocates who have kept this project at the top of our priority list."

The celebration program will feature remarks from key county leaders and library officials:

• Be Astengo, Managing Librarian for the Coastal Region, will welcome the audience and open the ceremony.
• David Tavarez, Branch Manager with oversight of the East Garrison Branch, will share vision for the future branch.
• Andrei Petrutiu, Project Manager, will address the project and timelines.
• Christopher Barlow, Architect, will talk about the design.
• Hillary Theyer, Library Director, will deliver remarks on MCFL's expanding footprint.
• Wendy Root Askew, Monterey County District 4 Supervisor, will speak on the project's impact on the region.

Following the speeches and ceremonial shovel turn, attendees are invited to Lincoln Park to enjoy a celebration cake, refreshments, and family-friendly activities designed for all ages.

Members of the public are encouraged to attend this historic milestone. Attendees are kindly asked to bring their own lawn chairs for seating during the festivities.

About Monterey County Free Libraries:
Monterey County Free Libraries serves the County of Monterey with 17 branch libraries and 3 bookmobiles to bring ideas, inspiration, information, and a love of reading to our communities.