New Capitola Branch Library

The City of Capitola is planning to construct a new branch library by June 2018.  Conceptual renderings have been developed by Anderson-Brule Architects to offer a glimpse of what a new library could look like if a 2016 regional tax measure is passed to improve library services throughout Santa Cruz County.  A conceptual elevation of the facility and a site plan are available for review.  A presentation of the conceptual library design provided to the Capitola City Council on February 11 is also available for review.

The City participates in a cooperative effort with the County and the other local cities to provide public library services through the regional Santa Cruz Public Library System.  Our library building is owned by the City of Capitola and leased to the regional system.

Our existing 4,320 square foot branch library, housed in a modular temporary building, opened in 1999.  The facility is outdated, undersized to serve the community’s needs, and is in a state of disrepair.  A new modern library could provide many community benefits, including an expanded book selection; additional seating capacity; more public access computers, a homework center; acoustically separated areas for quiet study and reading; and community space for public use.

The City made a commitment in 2004 to the County of Santa Cruz to build a permanent new library that is at least 7,000 square feet.  That agreement calls for us to begin construction by June 2019.

Over the past several years, the City prepared a library needs assessment that included public meetings and surveys of library patrons to determine the programs and services to best serve our community.  Then last year, after investigating a host of potential sites for the new library, the City through community input decided the current location on Clares and Wharf roads is the best location to build our permanent library.