El Cerrito's Library Needs

For information about the El Cerrito Library such as hours, events and collection details, please go to the 

El Cerrito Library website

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The City of El Cerrito is committed to finding a way to replace our El Cerrito Library


On November 8, 2016, 62.96% of voters supported Measure B (a bond measure to fund construction of a new library), however, the measure narrowly missed the two-thirds needed to pass to enable the City to issue general obligation bonds for the construction of a new library.

A safe, energy efficient, 21st century library has been a priority of the City for over a decade. In July of 2017, the City Council re-affirmed their commitment to move ahead with planning for a new library and staff is actively evaluating potential sites and developing a plan to engage the whole community to gather input about priorities for a new library.

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Background on Library Needs and Priorities

photo of El Cerrito library
Built in 1948 with an update in 1960, the El Cerrito Library does not currently meet earthquake safety standards, or the educational and technological needs of today’s El Cerrito residents. Since 2006, Library visits have increased 26% and circulation is up nearly 28%. 

The City of El Cerrito has been soliciting feedback from residents about their priorities for Library services that meet the community’s educational and informational needs for years, including completing a updated Library Space Needs Assessment in 2014.

On March 1, 2016, the City Council discussed possible locations including the size, cost and possible sites for a larger, safe, modern library that would meet the community's needs. Read the Agenda bill or watch the video.

On July 19, 2016 the City Council placed the measure on the ballot for voters to consider. Read the Agenda bill or watch the video.

The Contra Costa County Elections Department has posted the full results of the November 8, 2016 Presidential General Election on their website.


Links

Important Documents About Measure B (included in the Official Voter Guide)

City Attorney Impartial Analysis 

Tax Rate Statement

Argument in Favor of Measure B

Argument Against Measure B  

Rebuttal Arguments

Survey Findings and FAQ:


Frequently Asked Questions (printable PDF format) - updated 10/12/16

Godbe Survey Findings (PDF) summary of the July 2016 survey indicating support for a revenue measure for a safe, modern library.

 

Library Site Feasibility Study:

 

Staff Report and Presentation of Results Presented to City Council March 2016

Construction Cost Estimate Report from City's consultants Group4 and Swinerton

Election Notices:

Notice of Ballot Measure Election 

Resolution 2016-62 (PDF) determining that the public interest and necessity demand the land acquisition (or lease) and construction design, furnishing, equipping, and supplying of a safe, modern library project with financing through the issuance of general obligation bonds

Ordinance 2016-03 (PDF) ordering the submission of a general obligation bond proposition to the qualified voters of the City of El Cerrito at the general municipal election to be held on November 8, 2016, for the purpose of the land acquisition (or lease), design, construction, furnishing, equipping, and supplying of a safe, modern library project


If you would like to find out more about El Cerrito Library needs, please  contact Karen Pinkos, City Manager at 510-215-4301.