‘Worth it’: 2 libraries in Kings County close for year-long renovations

KINGS COUNTY, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Two major Kings County Library branches are closed until next year while they undergo much-needed renovations.

Shelves once filled with books now sit empty. Some have already made their way onto moving trucks, while the books now live in the basement of the Hanford Branch Library.

For the past couple of weeks, workers have been clearing out both the Hanford and Lemoore Branch Libraries in anticipation of the upcoming renovations.

“We’re packing up for our ‘Building Forward Infrastructure Grant’ from the State of California. We were round one recipients, like many libraries in the Central Valley area, Fresno County, Madera County,” the Kings County Library Director, Tanya Russell, said.

Russell says the two libraries have been allotted $13.6 million.

The buildings date back to the late ’50s and ’60s, so it’s safe to say they’re due for some upgrades, especially to meet ADA standards.

“The grant covers primarily critical infrastructure, ADA bathrooms, sustainable lighting, fire sprinkler systems, those kinds of things,” Russell said.

For the last 30 years, Russell says the county has also been saving up to remodel things the grant wouldn’t cover.

“That’s going to be pretty awesome as well. So, the community can expect a new circulation desk that’s ADA-compliant. A renovated children’s room with more access,” she said.

At the county’s main branch, they’ll also be adding three study pods with upgraded computer desks and whiteboards inside.

“We’re not ‘shh’ kind of people. We’re a community gathering place, but we still need some quiet spots, so you’re not hearing our little ones that are having a great time running through as you’re trying to study for an exam,” she said.

At just the Hanford location, they see about 15,000 visitors a week, so the need is there. The county had to get creative to keep providing resources during construction.

The Hanford Branch is setting up a temporary location at 110 South 11th Avenue, which will open on Oct. 7.

“I’d say it’s about half the size of this location, but it’s a good size. We’ll be able to offer wireless access, wired computer access, a lot of the same things we’re doing now,” Russell said.

In Lemoore, they’ll be utilizing their bookmobile at least twice a week. Locations, days, and times will be posted on their social media.

“It’ll be worth it,” Russell said.

Both branches are expected to reopen by the fall of 2026.