On Monday, April 15, the Aliso Viejo Public Library will begin its long-term closure for tenant renovations. The closure does not currently have a projected finish date, but the enhancements to the building are expected to run through the end of this year.
The library renovations have been in the works for several years. All of Orange County’s public library branches have plans to be remodeled and a couple of renovations are completed every year. The Aliso library has been on the waiting list for a couple of years now and is finally getting its remodeling underway after the project was pushed back.
During the tenant closure, several deferred maintenance projects are set to be completed. One of the main issues being addressed is the building’s roof as it has had frequent leaks. The library will also be getting energy-efficient lights installed throughout the building.
The closure will bring the addition of a larger quiet room for people looking for a quiet study space.
The renovations include plans to build a new teen area for the teenage patrons of the library. The upgrade will make a designated room for the teen collection and offer them a space of their own.
Additionally, the “Friends of the Aliso Viejo Library” bookstore located outside of the library will also be getting a new space during the library’s remodeling period. The store will be moving to a larger area in a different part of the building.
One of the more major changes taking place will be updating the building to ensure it is ADA-compliant.
Aliso librarian Jenny Gasset shares, “This building opened in 1998, so at that point we were technically ADA compliant, but a lot has changed in 25 years.”
To address the accessibility needs of all patrons, the library will be receiving new shelving and restrooms with more space.
Other general improvements that will be made include fresh paint, new carpeting and all brand-new furniture. Unlike the current bulky wooden chairs, the new furniture can be expected to be more adaptable and easier to clean.
Considering the long list of improvements, there is no current timeframe for when the library is expected to reopen. The prediction is that the library renovation will continue through at least the rest of this year.
In the meantime, those who need to use the library can visit neighboring Orange County library centers such as El Toro Library, Laguna Niguel Library or the Laguna Hills Technology Library. Anyone with holds during the closure is instructed to pick them up at the El Toro Library.
Gavin Skeen (12), a student at Aliso Niguel, comments, “The Aliso Library has offered me a great environment for studying over the last few years. I’m sad to see its doors close, though I trust that the improvement will be more than worth the wait.”
Although the closure will impact the daily lives of many patrons of the library, the hope is that the renovations will satisfy them after the temporary absence.
