Palm Springs library renovation stays on solid financial footing

The renovation of the Palm Springs Public Library’s main building remains on solid financial footing, with change orders totaling less than 1% of the project budget, though officials say it is still too early to promise a reopening date.

Library Services Director Jeannie Kays told the Library Board of Trustees on Oct. 7 that she is optimistic the facility could reopen in about a year. But with construction still underway and numerous factors that could affect the schedule, she cautioned against setting a firm date.

The extensive project involves stripping down and modernizing the interior of the historic 35,000-square-foot main building, adding maker spaces, a teen center, and outdoor reading gardens. The city had anticipated the project taking between 18 and 36 months when ground was broken last September on the $52 million effort.

Kays said unexpected issues could still affect the timeline. Even after the contractor completes construction, staff will need at least six weeks to move roughly 100,000 books back into the building, combine collections and return materials to their proper shelves.

The temporary Rimrock Library will remain open during the move, although Kays said both locations could close briefly if all staff are needed to complete the transition.

The timing presents another challenge. If construction follows the contractor’s current schedule, the move would take place during the summer heat and overlap with the library’s summer reading program.

The renovation goes well beyond cosmetic improvements to the building, which opened in 1975. Crews are replacing plumbing and electrical systems, installing fire sprinklers for the first time and upgrading other fire and life safety systems.

Workers are also strengthening columns and beams to improve earthquake resistance and rebuilding sidewalks that did not meet Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standards. Drywall and insulation work is underway.

The renovation has also changed how residents use the city’s libraries, according to an annual report delivered to the board.

Visits at the smaller Rimrock Library were down 60% compared with the main library, while the Wellwood Murray Memorial Library saw a 25% increase in visits and a 78% jump in computer sessions over the previous year.

Kays cautioned that September figures, when available, would provide the first meaningful month-to-month comparison at Rimrock, where the library relocated at the end of August 2025.

Programming has continued at partner locations throughout the city. The library offered 315 programs during the reporting period, although attendance declined 18%.

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