Harrison Memorial Library restoration enters community phase; architects to deliver schematics next year

The Carmel-by-the-Sea Library Board of Trustees received a progress report on the Harrison Memorial Library Restoration Project, including early community engagement and technical assessments of the building.

Mary Jo Williams and staff described a working group that began meeting after the city council approved a contract with the architect firm following July 1. Trustees and members of the Carmel Public Library Foundation, the architect team, the mayor and a city representative have met to align the project with the library's strategic plan and operations.

Williams said the first day of public engagement drew "over 50 participants" who were "very engaged, very interested" and practical about expectations for the restored library. The project team also completed 3-D imaging and building scans to document the library's current condition. Staff said it does not expect to have drawings or schematic designs to present until early next year.

Trustees and staff discussed outreach to younger families and teens after meetings skewed older in attendance. A patron and a teen volunteer offer emerged from the workshops; staff said the teen volunteers offered to help with moving and to advise on the teen space during renovation planning.

City officials mentioned in the staff update include Mayor Byrne and Bob Delvis representing the city; the presentation also referenced work by the Carmel Public Library Foundation (CPLF) and the architect team. Trustees said more small-group meetings and a second series of workshops are planned, likely in November, and staff will synthesize community input for follow-up meetings.

The board did not take formal action on the restoration at this meeting; members said they were pleased with the engagement and the architect's early work but expect to see schematic ideas in the months ahead.