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Escondido library staff complete move back to main building; trustees approve minutes 5-0 and set public events
Summary
City staff told trustees the library move from the mall is complete, the library will host a ribbon cutting and public opening in early August, and trustees approved the June 11 minutes 5-0. Staff outlined plaque plans, commemorative cards and upcoming community outreach.
The Escondido Library Board of Trustees heard on July that movers finished the relocation and staff have returned operations to the main library, with finishing touches planned ahead of public events in August. Trustees voted 5-0 to approve the minutes from the June 11 meeting.
City staff member Robert Rhode told trustees the bulk of the move is done and that staff are shelving materials and completing smaller projects such as a countertop at the customer service desk and one back-ordered light fixture. "We are moved out of the mall location, and we have moved back into the main library," Rhode said, adding that staff are preparing public tours and a ribbon-cutting event.
Rhode and library director Reno said the library will hold ribbon-cutting activities and public tours on Saturday, August 1, and Reno later noted a public grand opening promotion that is described in advertising as August 3. The trustees were told the ribbon-cutting schedule will include a mural dedication at Kalmia and 2nd; invitations to the events will be sent in the week after the meeting.
Reno outlined donor recognition plans: the library will install a new dedication plaque above the existing donor plaque that lists community partners, including the library trust, Friends groups and the California State Library grant. The plaque will also list current trustees' names. He said artist Julia has approved licensing for use of one of her mural designs for commemorative library cards; the team is consulting a second artist, Tim, and will post designs for community voting at the grand opening before printing.
Reno also described recent media attention and outreach: coverage in the San Diego Union-Tribune over the Fourth of July weekend and an invitation from American Libraries magazine to write about the move. He said the city is working with a PR firm and that the PR team has directed some news organizations to the library for walkthroughs ahead of reopening.
The trustees discussed volunteer support and community cleanup plans for areas around the library, and staff noted upcoming outreach engagements and partnerships, including appearances at a community resource fair and Familypalooza. The meeting closed with the next trustees' meeting scheduled for August 12.
Votes and formal actions recorded at the meeting include the approval of the June 11 minutes by a recorded vote of 5-0 (mover and seconder not specified in the record).
