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Escondido library renovation moves forward as roof, staff space and furnishings remain under review
Summary
Project manager and library staff updated trustees on building repairs, a complete roof replacement and staff-space planning; trustees agreed to a mid‑August community review for unfunded items while temporary mall operations continue.
The Escondido Library Board of Trustees heard an update on the library infrastructure grant and renovation timeline, including a planned roof replacement and unfinished staff-area work, during its regular meeting.
Project manager Ed Vasquez said the construction team has identified several unfunded items and recommended convening community stakeholders in mid‑August to prioritize which elements can be purchased, with a target for vendor purchases by early September. "That would probably work mid August," Vasquez said when asked about scheduling the meeting.
The issue most likely to affect the schedule is the roof. Reno, the library director, told trustees the project includes a complete roof replacement down to the plywood and underlayment and that work will be done in sections using lifts. "The roof replacement that we were able to budget into the project is a complete roof replacement," Reno said, adding the new materials should keep the building cooler. He warned that removing the tile could reveal additional wood damage that would affect schedule and cost.
Trustees also discussed staff space and furniture. Reno said staff desks were budgeted on the first floor behind the former service desk but that second‑floor staff areas were not anticipated to be touched; any additional staff furniture would mostly affect desks and storage rather than chairs. He said built‑in storage on the second floor may reduce cost but that the project must confirm structural changes with architects before purchasing. "Staff furniture can be far less expensive than public facing furniture," Reno said.
Trustees asked about public communications and the temporary mall location. Reno acknowledged challenges with Google listing updates for the temporary site and advised patrons to search combinations such as "Library Mall" to find the current location. He reported positive anecdotal feedback from mall visitors and said library programming at the mall has been well received while staff continue to fine‑tune operations.
Board members asked to be kept updated on roof removal and any surprises uncovered during demolition. Vasquez and Reno said they would return to trustees with a more detailed schedule and a proposed August meeting date for community prioritization of unfunded items.
The board moved on to the next agenda item after the presentation.
