City of Santa Ana reopens Main Library after $34 million renovation and modernization project

The project was the largest investment in the historic library since it opened in 1960.

SANTA ANA, Calif. - The City of Santa Ana celebrated the grand reopening of its historic Main Library on Saturday, Oct. 24, following a two-year, $34 million renovation that brings new technology, expanded learning opportunities and improved community spaces to one of the City's most treasured landmarks.

The City held a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by the Santa Ana City Council and joined by state and federal elected officials, City officials and staff, and hundreds of community members. Attendees enjoyed special performances and activities and had an opportunity to explore the newly renovated facility and experience its new amenities.

Preserve Orange County also presented a proclamation recognizing the City for its preservation of the historic building. The Main Library Transformation represents the largest investment in the facility since it first opened in 1960.

"The Main Library has been a part of Santa Ana's history for generations, and we are proud to welcome our community back to this transformed and reimagined space," said Mayor Valerie Amezcua. "This project preserves the library's historic character while providing modern resources and opportunities for residents of all ages to learn, create and connect. We look forward to seeing families enjoy everything the library has to offer for years to come."

The newly renovated Main Library features a variety of improvements designed to support education, creativity and community engagement, including:

• Historic preservation: Restoration of the library's original Italian marble façade and fireplace room, maintaining the building's architectural character.
• Children's learning area: A new interactive space designed to encourage early learning, exploration and creativity.
• Maker Lab: A hands-on creative space equipped with 3D printers, sewing machines, heat presses and Cricut machines.
• STEM and technology spaces: New areas focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics, along with video and audio creation rooms.
• Teen Space: A redesigned area for youth with teen-focused books and activities.
• Expanded Santa Ana History Room: An enhanced space dedicated to preserving and sharing local history.
• Outdoor community spaces: A redesigned patio featuring amphitheater seating and outdoor reading areas.
• Building improvements: Upgraded building systems, including new mechanical, electrical, plumbing and HVAC, as well as accessibility enhancements to create a more comfortable and welcoming experience for visitors.

As part of Orange County's oldest public library system, the Main Library has served generations of residents as a place to read, learn and connect. The renovation builds on that legacy by providing modern resources and flexible spaces that support a wide range of educational and recreational activities.

The $34 million project was funded through a combination of local, state and federal funding sources, including $7.3 million from the City's sales tax and other local funding sources, $15.5 million from the federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA), a $1 million federal Community Development Block Grant, and a nearly $10 million California State Library Building Forward Grant.

The project caps a major multi-year expansion of the Santa Ana Public Library system, which included opening the new Delhi Branch Library and Outdoor Library at Jerome Park, as well as a complete renovation of the Newhope Branch Library.

The Main Library is located at 26 Civic Center Plaza. Residents are encouraged to visit the newly reopened facility to explore its resources, programs and amenities.

See more photos of the event here.

A video of the full ribbon cutting ceremony will be available soon on the City's YouTube page.

For library hours and more information on library programs, visit santa-ana.gov/library.