Library Community Engagement Process
Staff has contracted with Group4 Architects to develop and implement a community engagement program for the Library. This is in accordance with the direction provided to staff by the City Council in July 2017.
Currently, a survey to engage the community and reconfirm the needs assessment is on the City’s website on the Open El Cerrito page at
www.el-cerrito.org/openelcerrito. This survey is one of the first steps in the process leading up to a potential ballot measure for the Library in November 2020. The survey has been live since December and Contra Costa Library staff, including El Cerrito Library Manager Heidi Goldstein, assisted in creating the survey and providing information to patrons. Additionally, Group4 was on hand at the Pancake Breakfast in December to speak with interested participants and gather information, and last week a special kiosk was installed in the El Cerrito Library for patrons to take the survey and provide comments. The survey, which has been advertised on the City’s website and social media, will be open through the end of February.
Next steps for this community engagement process include the development of a community advisory group as well as community meetings. Staff will keep the City Council apprised of this process as it continues to move forward.
New Library Hours Begin April 2
We have just received word that the new Library hours will begin on April 2, 2018! Up to this point, the Library had not been able to implement the increased Library hours because they were working to fill the staff positions necessary to support the increase. Library staff are excited and ready to go with the new hours schedule.
The new Library hours will be:
Monday 12-8, Tuesday 12-8, Wednesday 10-6, Thursday 10-6, Friday 10-5, Saturday 10-5 and Sunday 1-5.
The El Cerrito Library Foundation has expressed interest in a “grand opening” celebration when the hours go into effect, and City staff will work with them and Library staff to plan and promote the celebration.