Library staff, foundation detail $10.7M renovation, $50,000 T‑Mobile grant application and local matching drive

Sierra Madre’s city librarian and library foundation told the city council on Tuesday that construction of the remodeled 1955 library is on schedule and that fundraising for furniture, fixtures and equipment (FF&E) remains critical.

Why it matters: The renovation—funded with state grants and local fundraising—will add accessibility upgrades, a larger community meeting room and climate‑controlled archives. The city will need an additional round of local fundraising to outfit the building ahead of a planned June 6, 2026 grand reopening.

City Librarian Leila Regan gave an annual report and construction update and said the project is on track to finish construction in mid‑January 2026, with staff moving back in February and a public reopening planned for June 6, 2026. Regan said the total project budget stands at approximately $10,669,210; two state grants that financed construction must be expended by March 31, 2026.

Regan also said the temporary library at 350 West Sierra Madre Boulevard will remain open through January 2026 while staff consolidates stored collections and prepares for the move. She described robust program attendance over the last fiscal year despite the temporary facility’s limited size and said the library added digital services, hotspots and STEAM kits while continuing heavy outreach.

Rob Stockley, president of the Sierra Madre Library Foundation, asked councilors to endorse a city letter supporting a $50,000 T‑Mobile hometown grant application for FF&E and announced a $20,000 matching challenge: a private donor (Bill Patzer) pledged $20,000 to match gifts to the foundation between Sept. 2 and Oct. 15, 2025. Stockley suggested councilmembers consider discretionary stipend donations to the FF&E campaign as a legacy gift; the council did not act on that request Tuesday but approved the staff recommendation on the T‑Mobile letter on consent.

The foundation has already pledged $695,000 toward FF&E, Regan said; the city, library boards and community groups continue to fundraise for the remaining outfitting and program costs.

What happens next: Council approved, on consent, a letter to T‑Mobile supporting the foundation’s grant application. Staff will continue to work with the foundation and the Revive Library Foundation on fundraising and report back with any required council actions for FF&E contracting or grants acceptance.