Library Lines: Four Contra Costa branches to close doors for renovations
Over the next two years, the Contra Costa County Library system will tackle large-scale infrastructure projects at four county-owned library buildings.
Due to the scope of work these significant upgrades will address, the four branches will be closed for extended periods of time. These important projects are necessary to improve the aging infrastructure of the more than 50-year-old buildings. The upgrades will let the libraries stay open for years to come and provide comfortable, reliable environments for the communities.
The Pinole Library will close March 1 for about 11 months so that workers can install a new roof, new all-electric heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) system, a modernized electrical system, energy-efficient interior lighting and cleaner air technology and repaved parking lot with improvements compliant with the federal Amercans with Disabilities Act.
In Kensington, the library branch will close this summer for at least a year. The scope of work entails HVAC, electrical and lighting upgrades, ADA improvements and interior renovations. The Antioch Library will close this September 2026 for about four months for electrical and lighting upgrades and ADA improvements to its parking lot.
Walnut Creek’s Ygnacio Valley Library will close this fall 2026 for about eight to 10 months for installation of a ew roof, new HVAC system, lighting upgrades and electrical upgrades. As with any major construction project, the timelines of these projects may change due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. For more information on these closures, visit the library system’s webite at ccclib.org.
Women’s History Month: Celebrate Women’s History Month in March by reading books from special lists curated by the library system’s staff and by attending programs focused on women who are changing their communities and the world. On March 10, the Martinez Library will host clinical traditional herbalist Anna Marie Beauchemin for a look into how we can view and support many biological journeys through a holistic lens.
The Ygnacio Valley Library will host a March 14 performance by the Diablo Women’s Chorale, and the San Ramon Library will feature a March 19 author talk with Dr. Nia Imara, an artist, astrophysicist and advocate for equity in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). For more details, including dates and times for all Women’s History Month events, visit ccclib.org online.
Bookmark Art Contest: Contra Costa County libraries invite all local artists to bring their creativity and originality to the library system’s annual Bookmark Art Contest, now underway through March 16. Open to all ages, this year’s theme challenges participants to “Draw Your Superpower.”
Entries can be submitted digitally or dropped off at any library location. Selected designs will be printed as official library bookmarks, with finalists notified on or around May 1. For full rules and to submit entries, visit ccclib.org.
March Madness: March Madness at the Library is a tournament all about children’s books. Each week books will go head-to-head until only one remains.
Vote online for one book in each round. For the first round, vote for your favorites in the Sweet 16. Come back the following week to see which books make it to the Elite Eight. Our librarians have chosen all the books from titles released in the last few years. The games start March 3, and the top title will be announced by April 5.
Kindergarten Countdown: For kids preparing to start school the countdown to kindergarten is on. The library system’s Kindergarten Countdown program helps prepare children who are starting school in the fall.
The activities are designed to help children practice and learn skills that will ease the transition into kindergarten. Starting March 3, most library locations are distributing activity kits for children ages 4 to 6 while supplies last. The kits include tools to help children practice early literacy skills like talking, reading, singing, writing, playing, fine motor skills and self-help. Visit ccclib.org/kindergarten-countdown for more information.
Visit ccclib.org to sign up for a library card and get connected to free books and resources. For questions about Contra Costa library services and programming or account information, contact the library system via email at ask@library.cccounty.us or text questions to 925-344-5524.
Brooke Converse is the Contra Costa County Library system’s public information officer and can be reached at brooke.converse@library.cccounty.us.
Library calendar
Oakland Jazz Choir: 11 a.m. March 7 at the El Sobrante Library. The Oakland Jazz Choir has an East Bay institution for more than 30 years and one of just a few community jazz choirs in the nation. The choir includes 14 to 17 singers as diverse in age, religion and race as their hometown of Oakland. This multicultural, multitalented group of people volunteer their time, energy and skill to produce some of the sweetest harmonies around.
Henna Art for Teens: 3 p.m. March 11 at the Antioch Library. Join staff at the Antioch branch to learn about the ancient art of henna with local artist Rachel Palacios. Practice making your own designs and receive a professional henna design by Rachel. This program is for teens ages 12 to 17.
AI — the Good, the Bad and the Ugly: 1 p.m. March 19 via Zoom. Join this practical, no-nonsense webinar on how artificial intelligence is already shaping education, government, work and civic life. This session is designed for community members who want clear explanations, real examples and grounded discussion. Registration is required.
Raising Confident Readers: 4 p.m. March 26 via Zoom. A one-hour virtual workshop designed for parents and caregivers to support school-age children facing literacy challenges. The session will cover practical activities that caregivers can use to enhance literacy skills at home, important questions to ask their child’s school and common reasons children may struggle with reading. Registration is required.