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Los Alamitos and Rossmoor residents could soon see the doors of their local library reopen following over a year of closure due to ongoing renovations.
The Los Alamitos-Rossmoor Library, which has been closed since February 2023, is expected to reopen late summer 2024 according to Orange County Public Libraries (OCPL) officials.
“Beyond functionality, we are paying attention to the aesthetic appeal of the library,” said Danilo Seranilla, Marketing and Communications Manager with OCPL, in an email to Voice of OC. “Comfortable seating, appealing design elements, and thoughtfully curated spaces will contribute to a warm and inviting atmosphere.”
Renovations to the branch include energy-efficient lighting, quiet study rooms, a new program room, a teen lounge area, enhancements to the parking lot and a building automation system – which controls the lighting, air conditioning and other systems together through one interface.
The project, which was originally slated to be complete by Spring 2024, has cost over $3 million.
Residents and Friends of the Los Alamitos-Rossmoor Library have missed their local library, citing the branch’s long-term presence in the community.
“It really is a good community gathering place of resources,” said Mary Ann Remnet, Community Engagement Coordinator with the Rossmoor Homeowners Association, a civic service nonprofit. “It’s been part of our community for so long, people miss even the simple things, like the bricks that were sold and put out in front of it.”
“It’s one of our landmarks, and so it’s kind of like a piece of us that’s missing.”
Los Alamitos-Rossmoor began serving the public in 1962, making it one of the oldest libraries within OCPL.
The Friends of the Los Alamitos-Rossmoor Library are also excited to see the library reopen, although they note that their operations may need to change along with the library.
“All of our operations will now be in the confines of the original community room, which is not that large,” said Del Clark, President of the Friends of the Los Alamitos-Rossmoor Library. “So we just have to reimagine how we’re going to do this.”
Construction was funded using OCPL revenue – which is sourced from local property taxes – in addition to grants, donations and “other sources” according to Seranilla.
In the year before it was closed for renovation, nearly 38,000 visited the branch, according to a public records request.
Two other OCPL branches – Dana Point and Aliso Viejo – are also closed for improvements and are expected to reopen in spring 2025.
Regular programming will return to the library after its reopening.
“Once the library is reopened the entire community will be able to enjoy a wide variety of engaging programming and events for all ages,” Seranilla said. “This includes family storytimes, craft activities, book clubs, special performers, and more.”
Programming will be accompanied by a new Library of Things — a collection of children’s toys and kitchen tools that patrons can borrow.
Although there is not an exact reopening date at this time, residents can check the OCPL website for updates.
Erika Taylor is a Voice of OC Tracy Wood Reporting Fellow and photojournalist. You can find her on Instagram @camerakeepsrolling or email at etaylor@voiceofoc.org
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