Santa Ana’s newest library branch is outdoors at Jerome Park

Readers young and old celebrated the launch of the city’s first — and believed to be the country’s first — outdoor library at Jerome Park on Thursday, Aug. 21.

The Jerome Park Outdoor Library, along with the debut last week of a new 2,500-square-foot Delhi Library Branch, make for the largest expansion of the city’s public library system in the last 50 years.

“We are thrilled to mark the opening of another new library for the people of Santa Ana, for our children, for our future generation, that will serve as a hub for learning, connection and opportunities,” Mayor Valerie Amezcua told a crowd of residents Thursday. “This library, along with many other projects you can see right now around your city, represent your local sales tax at work, your money.”

Jerome Park is centered near several local schools and residential neighborhoods, and is located next to the Southwest Senior Center. Now, almost 400 books and movies are available to the local community to choose from the outdoor library’s fully enclosed self-service kiosk or “mini library.”

Residents can also access public Wi-Fi and outdoor seating areas, as well as program and activities areas, which are surrounded by drought-tolerant landscaping.

“The library that was here before on McFadden was an integral part of me, and that’s why I grew up to be an educator, a councilmember, and a service to my community. I owe it all to libraries,” Councilmember Benjamin Vasquez said. “I’m excited because this is not only a beautiful library and a kiosk, but a beautiful park.”

The $4.3 million project was funded with local sales tax revenue, other city funds and money Santa Ana received from the federal American Rescue Plan Act.