by Lorie Lewis Ham
I grew up going to the Reedley Library and have many fond memories there. As a kid I read every horse book they had, and as an adult I even worked there for several years. As a parent, I took my kids there often. As a mystery writer, I’ve had several book talks there. The old building has served this community well for many, many years. But finally Reedley is going to be getting a brand new library and everyone is excited! The groundbreaking took place on August 28, and recently I talked to several people involved with the library to learn more, and get their thoughts and feelings about the new branch. 
Susan Renfro, Marketing and Community Relations Officer for the Fresno County Public Library:
KRL: How long has there been a library in Reedley, and how long at the current location?
Susan: Reedley has had library service for more than a century. The current branch, located on 11th Street, has been serving the community since 1973 in a leased building of about 5,000 square feet.
KRL: When was it decided that Reedley needed a new library and why? What was the process like to get from there to here?
Susan: We’ve seen the need for a bigger space for the Reedley Library for at least twenty years, as the existing building has long been too small to meet the community’s needs. Since then, the project has gone through years of planning, community input, and strong advocacy from local leaders and the Friends of the Reedley Library. Thanks to voter-approved Measure B funding, the vision is finally moving forward.
KRL: How big will the new library be and how much bigger is that than where they are now?
Susan: The new Reedley Library will be nearly 14,000 square feet—almost three times the size of the current 5,000-square-foot branch.
KRL: Can you share what the new library will be like? IE a computer room, meeting room, more books, etc.
Susan: One of the most exciting additions will be a large Community Meeting Room, available at no cost to Fresno County residents with a library card. The building will also feature a dedicated children’s area, public computers, and plenty of comfortable seating and gathering spaces designed for reading, studying, and connecting.
Reedley groundbreaking
KRL: How long will it take for the new library to be finished?
Susan: We don’t have a firm completion timeline yet, but construction updates will be posted regularly on the Library’s Facebook page. That’s the best way for residents to follow the progress in real time.
KRL: Are there any needs still for the library where there will be fundraising? And if so, what kind of fundraising will that be?
Susan: Measure B will fully fund the construction, furniture, fixtures, and equipment of the new building. The architect’s design ensures a beautiful, functional library that will serve Reedley for generations. At the same time, there may be opportunities for the community to add enhancements such as artwork or local design elements that reflect Reedley’s unique character and make the space feel even more welcoming.
KRL: Do you still need any input from the community?
Susan: We gathered community input over a three-year period, and residents’ feedback directly shaped the design. Moving forward, updates will continue to be shared on the Library’s website and social media so residents can stay informed and engaged.
KRL: Will the new library have a bigger staff?
Susan: Staffing levels are still being reviewed. As with all our locations, our goal is to make sure the Reedley Library has the right level of support to meet the needs of the community in its new space.
Reedley groundbreaking
KRL: What will the parking be like?
Susan: The new library will have on-site parking, conveniently located on the north side of the property.
KRL: Is there anything else you would like to add?
Susan: The new Reedley Library is the result of decades of dedication from residents, community leaders, and the Friends of the Library. It will be a beautiful new space designed for Reedley to enjoy, and it stands as a true investment in the community’s future.
Reedley groundbreaking
KRL: What role did the Reedley Friends of the Library play?
Susan: The Reedley Friends of the Library have been the heart and soul of this project. Their generosity made it possible to acquire the land through a memorial gift from a local family, and their advocacy helped keep the dream alive until the funding and timing came together.
Carol López Doerksen with the Reedley Friends of the Library:
KRL: How has the Reedley Friends of the Library been involved in the planning and fundraising for the new library?
Carol: The Friends of the Reedley Library have been involved throughout the process for over 30 years, from explaining the need for a new library, searching for a site, making recommendations for the exterior and interior of the new library, and providing information to the community about the progress of this endeavor via a Reedley Library Supporters e-mail group. Keep in mind, it wasn’t just the Friends group that was involved in this. The Reedley community was very supportive of a new library and they were initially asked to fill out a survey about what they wanted included in a new library. Their comments about the design of the new library began with a June 2022 County Library meeting at the building site, showing community members the initial design. Written comments were solicited from community members and some of their feedback was used in revising the plans. For example, the windows were very small and the community, Friends group, and the e-mail Supporters group wanted the windows to be larger. This, along with other suggestions, was incorporated into the design. Via the Supporters email group, the Friends sent out revised designs of the new library. The Friends group collated their comments and sent them to the County Library for review. Reedley Library personnel and the Friends group had input into the interior of the building when viewed early on in this process. We have not yet seen the final plans.
The present home of the Reedley Library; opened in 1973.
KRL: Are you happy with the plans for the new building, and for it to finally be done?
Carol: We are so thrilled that it is finally happening! The Groundbreaking Ceremony made it “real.” It was wonderful to see so many Reedley community members at the event. The renderings of the new library look amazing.
KRL: Anything you would like to add?
Carol: There are so many community members that supported this endeavor. This building will truly be a Reedley Community Library.
If people would like to receive emails from Friends of the Reedley Library, regarding the progress of the new library and other pertinent Reedley Library information, they can email me at: reedleyforl1@gmail[dot]com. OR they can sign up at the Friends of the Reedley Library booth at the Reedley Fiesta.
We didn’t feel this story would be complete without chatting with someone on staff at the Reedley Library. Here are a couple of thoughts from Linda Rotan, Senior Library Assistant Reedley Library:
KRL: Are you excited for the new library?
Linda: Absolutely! We are very excited.
KRL: What are you looking forward to the most?
Linda: It is hard to pick just one thing. We are looking forward to having more space for both staff and the public, as well as a dedicated room for Storytime that will create a special experience for children and families.
Be sure to follow the Fresno County Library Facebook page, or email Carol with the Reedley Friends of the Library, to keep up with the progress of the new building. In the meantime, let’s remember how very important our libraries are. Not only do they provide access to books at no cost to the reader, but they also have wonderful programs, computers that you can use, DVD/Blu-rays, video games, and music. All free of charge! If you don’t have a library card, go get one now and see what you have been missing! Check out the Fresno County Public Library website to find a branch near you and learn more.
Check out more Reedley articles in our Reedley News section!
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