Monrovia Library reports strong program growth and pauses expansion bid amid rising costs

The Monrovia Public Library reported significant increases in programming and outreach at the Sept. 2 City Council meeting, while also describing a pause and re-evaluation of a planned capital expansion because of rising construction costs.

Library Director Carrie (last name not provided at the meeting) told councilmembers the library served nearly 26,000 program participants in fiscal year 2024–25—a 29% year-over-year increase—and recorded a 45% increase in summer-reading participation. The library also reported roughly 16,000 outreach contacts and extensive senior programming at local facilities.

Veterans services expanded through an on-site veteran staff partnership with Los Angeles County; interactions with veterans and their families rose by 60% during the year, the director said. The library's "library of things"—items such as sewing machines, tools, instruments and telescopes—was checked out more than 5,000 times in a single year.

City staff said the library enhancement project's plans are complete and ready to bid, but escalating costs have prompted a pause so staff and council can re-evaluate scope and funding sources. "We kind of see that as an opportunity for us to take a pause and step back and really look at the project and see what it is that we really want for this project," Carrie said. Staff are developing a list of recommended actions and funding options to present to the council.

Councilmembers praised the library's expanding role as a community hub and asked staff to pursue alternatives that preserve the highest-value program and public-benefit elements of the project while containing costs. No final decision to cancel or proceed with the presently designed bid was made at the Sept. 2 meeting.