Shelves at the La Habra Library may sit empty for the next two years.
The La Habra Library has closed to undergo renovations to improve ADA accessibility at the branch, including expanding programming areas and adjusting the layout – which some experts say could be a challenging renovation due to the building’s age.
“The biggest challenges come from egress and ingress, in other words, exiting and entering depending on where the parking and sidewalks are in relation to the building,” said Jonathan Keller, professor of construction technology at Fullerton College.
“There needs to be ramps, and someone needs to be able to push themselves up on a wheelchair by themselves. If you don’t have enough room out front to get elevation, you have to do a switch back, which requires more site work,” said Keller, explaining that there is often no room to expand.
The county is paying $6.6 million to C.W. Driver, LLC., a company working on four other library renovations that are already behind projected schedules.
[Read: Aliso Viejo Library Remains Closed for Construction]
C.W. Driver, LLC., did not respond to requests for comment.
The renovation is said to improve ADA accessibility at the La Habra Library in addition to other maintenance.
The project will take an estimated 18-24 months according to county officials – meaning that many residents may have less public areas to enjoy in a community with less open space and parks relative to the rest of the county.
“To meet the diverse socioeconomic and cultural needs of these communities, public institutions like libraries that provide safe and stable spaces for learning and community-building need to be built up and maintained,” said Dr. Thuy Vo Dang, professor of information studies and Asian American studies at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles.
“Libraries and resources within are generally free to the public, so this means that the most marginalized groups may find what they lack in their own homes at their public libraries, such as stable wifi, temperature-controlled and relatively quiet environments for studying and reading, and expert assistance with accessing so many important resources from the news to voter registration and tax information,” she said.
“This project encompasses sustainable design, mechanical upgrades, energy efficiency improvements, lighting, paint, furniture, and ADA repairs to ensure inclusivity, and community responsiveness,” said Danilo Seranilla, OC Public Libraries (OCPL) spokesperson in an email with Voice of OC.
The city’s first library opened in 1921 and was located inside of a local bank.
The city broke ground on the current branch in 1966. A community room and Friends of the Library bookstore was added in 1983.
Others say that ADA projects cover “only the barest minimum” by adding railings or widening aisles.
“ADA compliance helps libraries move toward equitable access, which is part of libraries’ mission to serve the whole community,” said Dr. Vo Dang. “However, it requires sustained commitment, funding, and thoughtful design to avoid unintended limitations like reduced collections or underutilized technology.”
Erika Taylor is a Voice of OC Tracy Wood Reporting Fellow and photojournalist. Contact her at etaylor@voiceofoc.orgor@camerakeepsrolling.