After nearly two years of being closed for remodeling, the Dana Point library has reopened, much to the delight of many in the community who came out for the grand reveal Thursday, Sept. 4.
Located across from Salt Creek Beach, the OC Public Libraries branch tucked along Niguel Road next to Sea Terrace Park now has a “bright, light and very modern feel,” said Lisa Buckner, president of the board for Friends of the Dana Point Library, who has been volunteering with the group since she retired from teaching in 2010.
“It’s just very peaceful and beautiful. We’re just thrilled,” she said. “Our volunteers have been biting at the bit to get back.”
The $6.2 million renovation is the first full remodel of the branch since it was built in 1976.
“I’m a nostalgic person in general, but it needed it,” Mayor Matt Pagano said. “It’s a mainstay of adventure for our youth. Reading is so important, and the library makes it fun for the kids to check books in and out. Our family is very thankful it’s reopening.”
The remodel project was funded through the OC Public Libraries Capital Project Fund, money that largely comes from fees or assessments on new developments. The OC Public Libraries system was established in 1921 with three libraries — serving La Habra, Brea and Costa Mesa — and now boasts 29 branches.
In the five years the library system has had the capital improvement program, 15 libraries have been remodeled, with the Aliso Viejo branch set to reopen soon, said Julie Quillman, the county’s librarian.
Branches in La Habra and Garden Grove are currently closed for remodeling.
At the Dana Point Library, while the branch has always been well-equipped with computers, the cabling infrastructure was upgraded to support stronger connectivity throughout the building, Quillman said.
The library now offers hardwired internet access, designated laptop stations and has laptops available for checkout through secure kiosks. Additionally, Wi-Fi is available throughout the building and extends into the parking lot.
The project also included infrastructure upgrades, with new HVAC, plumbing and energy-efficient lighting. New floors, ceilings, a turquoise, blue and gray carpet, and earthquake-compliant shelving were installed.
The outdoor areas of the library were also redesigned with ADA-accessible pathways and sustainable landscaping. And, staff areas were improved with ergonomic furniture and upgraded workspaces. The library’s entrance now also has a more modern-looking patio and gathering space.
Among the new features are a quiet study room and a teen space.
“Our libraries anchor our neighborhoods — serving as a place for people of all ages to come together for shared learning, connection and recreation,” Fifth District County Supervisor Katrina Foley said in a statement. “I’m thrilled for Dana Point residents to explore this refreshed library, which is thoughtfully designed to serve our community well into the future.”
Now with the remodel, the library will become even more attractive and likely draw even more visitors, Quillman said. The remodel makes the public space more functional and responsive to the evolving community’s needs, she said.
“Renovations allow libraries to improve accessibility, incorporate flexible spaces for programs and study, and integrate updated technology and infrastructure,” she said. “By investing in remodels, we’re investing in equity, education, and the long-term vitality of our neighborhoods.”
Quillman said the libraries are also seeing a renewed interest in reading, especially fueled by BookTok, an online community on TikTok for book lovers to share and discuss recommendations, reviews and their passion for reading.
“Our number of books borrowed is increasing all the time, and our remodels are designed to add more shelving space so we can increase our collections of popular materials,” Quillman said. “People are looking to connect through their love of reading and that’s what the library provides.
“We have book clubs at every location, and an incredibly popular author series, A Slice of Literary Orange, where readers meet their favorite authors, hear all about the writing process, and connect with other readers,” she added.
Among some of the new things Buckner noted when she toured the remodeled branch on Thursday were the bags of books already stocked for book club groups.
And, at the Friends bookstore where she is the manager once a week, there have also been changes, she noted. Though the space is a bit smaller, it has a more boutique feel.
“There will be fewer titles, but they’ll be much better,” she said, adding that when the library closed, the Friends gave away all of its books.
Now, Buckner is putting out the word that more books are needed for when the store reopens in early October, but she’s also being a bit more selective. Specifically, she’s looking for any fiction from 2020 forward and children’s books in good condition. Other genres will be accepted. People can drop off donations from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturdays.
She will also be looking for new bookstore volunteers. The requirement is “being friendly and loving books.”