Council supports an aspirational approach for Laguna Beach Library; asks staff to pursue funding partners

Laguna Beach council members signaled support for pursuing a larger renovation and partial expansion of the Laguna Beach Library rather than using the one-time transfer from the county for only limited interior repairs.

Consultants presented two options: (1) a limited-scope, interior-and-systems upgrade within the building’s existing 11,000 square feet tied to the county’s current transition funds (described as roughly $4–5 million) and (2) an aspirational renovation and expansion that would add roughly 4,000–5,000 square feet (bringing total to about 15,000 square feet) and restore historic architectural elements. Charlie Williams and the project team estimated the aspirational option would cost on the order of $20 million–$25 million.

Council members said the council should pursue partnerships before committing the county funds to only limited repairs. Several council members suggested the school district, the county and private donors could help bridge the gap; one council member cited Newport Beach’s approach to public–private fundraising as a possible model. The council also emphasized that any larger renovation should preserve and restore the library’s historic architectural features.

Council direction: staff was asked to (1) develop an aspirational concept and funding strategy that leverages county funds, potential school-district partnership for teen programming, and private philanthropy; (2) push back to the county about deploying the city’s $4.2 million allocation immediately if doing so would preclude a larger project; and (3) include options that address pedestrian access and parking (for example, potential additional parking at Glenaire) in subsequent designs.

Ending: Council members agreed to pursue more ambitious options and to return with a funding and phasing plan that preserves historic fabric and increases program space for teens and community use.