Public Invited To Library Re-Opening & Ribbon-Cutting

CONTRA COSTA COUNTY, CA —The El Sobrante Library, and the adjoining Nancy Fahden House, will celebrate its re-opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and a day of free, special events Saturday, Nov. 23 — and the community is invited.

The library was closed since it sustained major damage in a February 2018 fire.

Saturday's events run from 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. and include performances by comedy duo Coventry and Kaluza, guitarist Daniel Fries, musical storytimes, face-painting, balloon-making, and a visit from Oakland Athletics mascot, Stomper. Guests also can join in a scavenger-hunt tour of the new library and grounds, according to the Contra Costa County Library.

Supervisor John Gioia and library officials will launch the occasion with the ribbon-cutting at 10:30 a.m.

After the fire, smoke, fire and water damage required the building be stripped down to the studs for renovation. The site, constructed in 1961, also underwent asbestos abatement, accessibility improvements and plumbing and electric systems code upgrades, officials said.

Since the remodel, the library boasts new windows, including two walls of windows and six skylights, plus new roofing, paint, carpet, furniture, shelving, books, bathrooms, a new meeting room and computers.

The newly renovated adjoining building – the Nancy Fahden House (formerly the Friends of the Library building) – also will be introduced to the community. It will be home to both the Friends of the El Sobrante Library and the El Sobrante Historical Society. This building is named after former Supervisor Nancy Fahden, who was the first female elected to the board of supervisors in 1978 and once housed her district office.

“The County is proud to re-open our completely remodeled library that better meets the needs of the El Sobrante community with state of the art technology and improved meeting space. In addition, the adjacent Nancy Fahden House will provide greater community space for local non-profits,” said Gioia, board of supervisors chair, who represents El Sobrante.

The project led by Contra Costa County Public Works and the library, included Mark Scott Construction, BRW Architects and Humphries Poli/RATIO Architects.

“We are so thankful for the hard work and dedication of the many county departments, library staff and contractors who brought this library back to life,” said county librarian Melinda Cervantes. “The new building is stunning and we are thrilled to be serving the El Sobrante community once again.”

For more information on the grand opening, call (800) 984-4636 or email ask@ccclib.org.

• ALSO SEE: Santa's Reindeer Arrive At San Francisco Zoo