The Aptos branch of the Santa Cruz County Public Library system—which is nearing the end of a complete rebuild—is set to reopen by the end of the year.
On Tuesday, the popular library got a boost when the Board of Supervisors accepted a $394,000 check from Friends of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries, the system’s fundraising arm. That money was raised over the past two years to help defray the costs of the project.
The new 12,400-square-foot building will have updated technology, a teen room, public meeting spaces and an outdoor terrace, says library spokeswoman Amanda Rotella.
It will also be a net-zero green building, meaning that all of its energy needs can be met onsite with features such as solar panels and windows oriented to maximize sunlight.
“We’re really excited about this branch,” she says. “Through this process, it’s been about reimagining our library spaces to meet the needs of the community.”
The Aptos library, along with its cousins in Capitola and downtown Santa Cruz, are the busiest branches in the system, Rotella says.
The next fundraising campaign will focus on the new Downtown Branch Library.
Projects to upgrade, modernize and repair the libraries in Santa Cruz, Aptos, Live Oak, Scotts Valley, Boulder Creek, Capitola, Felton and La Selva Beach were funded by Measure S—the $67 million bond measure approved by voters in 2016.
With 70% voter support, the measure met the two-thirds majority threshold required for bond measures.
In approving it, property owners in every part of the county except Watsonville agreed to add $49.50 to their annual property tax bills, and $86 on agricultural, commercial, industrial and recreational parcels.
“We really do live in a special place,” Rotella says. “I don’t know of other systems that have had this vote of the people to bring such resources to the libraries. Measure S was a very clear demonstration by the community of their priorities and values around bringing what is a resource that is accessible to all members of the community.”
Supervisor Zach Friend says the project in Aptos was a long time coming.
“It’s a once-in-a-generation opportunity to upgrade the libraries that haven’t been upgraded in 30, 40 or 50 years, and we are definitely appreciative of the voters that supported this in giving them libraries that are worthy of this community,” he says.
