The Cesar Chavez Central Library, the central branch of Stockton’s public library system, is set to receive about $15 million worth of structural updates to bring the building up to code.
Although the building is not unsafe, many building and safety regulations have changed since it was first constructed in the 1960s. The majority of the funds will come from the state, with about a third coming from Stockton’s budget.
The upgrades will include making the building more resistant to earthquake damage, as well as modifications and improvements to the building’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning and fire suppression systems.
The library will also become compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act. The project will include some upgrades to the library's aesthetics, such as new furnishings, fresh paint, and possible layout changes.
The goal is also to make Cesar Chavez a destination as Stockon’s main branch by bringing in unique programs to make it an anchor in the community. According to the project's implementation plan, the project construction could be completed by 2025.
