Palm Springs officially breaks ground on $40 million library renovation

City officials and community leaders broke ground Thursday on a $40 million renovation of the Palm Springs Public Library that will modernize the 50-year-old facility over the next 18 to 36 months.

The project is funded primarily through a $6.5 million grant from the California State Library’s Building Forward Infrastructure Grant Program, with the remaining costs covered by city lease revenue bonds and funds from Measure J, a local ballot measure.

“This project is really only possible because of the passion of all of our residents, the vision of our city council and the dedication of so many project partners who have really been involved in bringing this project to life,” said City Manager Scott Stiles at the groundbreaking ceremony, held inside the now-closed facility.

The renovation will reorganize existing space inside the library to better meet current needs and serve future generations with expanded resources, modern technology and spaces designed for collaboration, according to city officials.

During his remarks, Mayor Ron deHarte said the project has been years in the making, with some calling it a five-year effort while others describe it as a 12 to 15-year project.

“We owe it to the community for being part of the process through the years, for their input, the patience that our community has given to the city to get us to this point where their participation and input is becoming a reality,” deHarte said, adding that the renovation represents the city’s commitment to maintaining the library as “the heart of Palm Springs” while honoring its history and meeting modern needs.

Swinerton Construction was awarded the project in early July after the city put it out for bid in May. The grant portion of the project must be completed by March 2026. While the library at 300 South Sunrise Way is being renovated, the majority of services it provides have been relocated to Rimrock Plaza, at 4721 East Palm Canyon Dr.

Group 4 Architecture + Research from South San Francisco designed the renovation after conducting community input meetings and an online survey in fall 2023 and spring 2024.

The library’s meaning to the community was evident during Thursday’s ceremony — especially to parents and children.

Juanita Escobar Garner, who chairs the Library Board of Trustees, shared a personal story about the library’s impact on her family.

“When I was raising kids here in Palm Springs, they had very little money, and this was a place where I could come and they would have fun and I didn’t have to pay for it,” she said. “This library made my kids feel like they were like everyone else, and they were special, and they were loved, not only by their parents, but by their city.”

One of those children, Councilmember Grace Garner, emphasized the building’s role as a community equalizer.

“This is the only place in our city where you can come in and have free things. Everything here is free,” Garner said, noting the library serves as both a cooling center and warming center for residents.

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