AN EXCITING NEW CHAPTER!
Learn all about your beautiful new Santa Maria Public Library on this webpage by clicking on the graphics below! More than 10,300 visitors celebrated the library's grand opening on Saturday, August 23, 2008. At nearly 60,000-square-feet, the building is twice the size of the old library, and the children's section is three times larger - AND it has an enchanted forest tree and mural! Expanded book collections, 77 public computers (30 in the computer lab, the rest are around the library), a children's theater, a library café, community meeting room (Shepard Hall) and a new literacy center are among the many features. Thanks to all the community members who have donated!

VIDEOS

Start to Finish Construction from 2005 to 2008 (Time: 8:08)

Expert panel describes the new library (prior to opening (Time: 29:30)

Highlights of Grand Opening Day Ceremony Speeches (Time: 6:59)

Mayor's Speech at Grand Opening Day Ceremonies (Time: 11:28)

PHOTOS, HISTORY, DONORS

Photo Gallery View the project from start to finish (102 photos)

Thank you to these residents and businesses who made generous donations

Compare the two libraries (what's inside)

The Library's rich history since 1909

What will happen to the old library

FLOOR PLANS

Architectural drawings

1st Floor Layout Old Library

1st Floor Layout New Library

2nd Floor Layout Old Library

2nd Floor Layout New Library

HISTORICAL PHOTOS

Carnegie Library, built in 1909	New Library dedicated in 1941	Librarian Dorothea Nelson at the 1941 library	Old Carnegie Library prior to demolition in 1966	Moving into new Library in 1970
Second and third photos (from left) are used with permission from the Santa Maria Times