The Aliso Viejo Public Library is slated to reopen its doors to the public this month after being closed for nearly two years.
The reopening is set for March 25, almost two years after it closed on April 15, 2024 for a $5.9 million renovation project.
The project was intended to improve ADA accessibility, increase space and upgrade the building’s mechanical and lighting systems. City officials initially projected a reopening in early summer 2025, but the timeline was pushed after crews encountered water damage and permitting delays.
[Read: Aliso Viejo Library Remains Closed for Construction]
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“The delays were primarily due to permitting requirements, extended renovation work, ADA compliance upgrades, roof repairs and installation of energy efficient systems,” OC Supervisor Katrina Foley said in a phone interview.
“What happens often, especially with these old buildings, is that as you open it up and you get into the walls and the structural elements, then you start to understand that there are additional upgrades that need to happen in order for the upgrades that you’re planning to actually be able to work,” she added.
The additional work done on the library did not impact the cost, according to Foley.
“These are old buildings,” Foley said. “We want to make sure that these upgrades are long lasting. These are 20-year upgrades, not two-year upgrades, so it takes a little bit longer.”
However, the extended closure created challenges for some Aliso Viejo residents, particularly students who relied on the library.
“It was only supposed to be a year-long project and it’s been extended, extended, extended,” Aliso Viejo Councilmember Tiffany Ackley said in a phone interview.
“Laguna Niguel has a library that’s pretty close. Unfortunately, that’s just not adequate for our school kids who oftentimes can’t rely on any form of transportation to get there, so it’s been a real hindrance for us to not have that library open.”
The remaining delay was not related to construction, but instead due to final approvals, Ackley said. She explained that the certificate was delayed after an inspector raised concerns about an accessibility-related issue.
The project is now in its final stages, Foley said.
“We’re at the phase right now where they’re putting on the finishing touches, and then shelving the collection,” Foley said. “So we’re really at the end of the field here headed to the goal line, because the last piece for all of our libraries when they get reopened is to get all the books back on the shelves, get everything catalogued and get it ready to open, so we’re right there.”
Ackley said that once it’s determined that the upgrades comply with all building codes, the remaining work involves returning the library’s book collection to the building.
“Once they get the complete certificate of occupancy, which I believe that they have now, it takes six to eight weeks to bring back all of the books and then put them on the shelves,” said Ackley.
She added that a few minor repairs are still underway, including work on the building’s clock tower.
The La Habra and Garden Grove Main Libraries are also closed for projects aiming to improve ADA accessibility.
[Read: How Long Will The Garden Grove Main Library Be Closed?]
If residents live near a library under construction, they can go to another public library nearby or use online services to access books.
New resources will also be available once the Aliso Viejo Public Library reopens, including a “library of things” collection, according to Foley.
“Let’s say you want to make some kind of a recipe for a fun little get-together that you’re having with your friends or family, and you don’t have one of those fancy appliances that is needed for that,” she said. “You can actually check out the blender or check out the mixer.”
“It’s a really exciting program that allows us to allow people to not have to buy so many things that they might only use one time per year.”
The grand reopening event on March 25 starts at 10 a.m. at the library and features children’s programming. The library is located at 1 Journey, Aliso Viejo, CA 92656.
Erika Taylor, Voice of OC Tracy Wood Reporting Fellow and photojournalist, contributed to this article.