News Summary
Santa Ana has officially opened the new Delhi Library Branch, marking a $50 million expansion in the city’s library system. The new branch features modern design elements and an outdoor learning area. Mayor Valerie Amezcua emphasized the project’s significance as the city’s first new library in a generation. This addition aims to improve access to educational resources and foster community engagement. The expansion also includes an innovative outdoor library at Jerome Park, along with ongoing renovations of the historic Main Library.
Santa Ana celebrated the grand opening of the new Delhi Library Branch on August 14, marking a significant milestone in the city’s library system with a historic $50 million expansion. This project represents the largest enhancement to the Santa Ana library facilities in the last 50 years, highlighting the commitment to improving access to information and resources for residents.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was led by the Santa Ana City Council, with Mayor Valerie Amezcua emphasizing the importance of this new branch as the first library to open in the city in a generation. Situated inside the Delhi Center at 505 E. Central Ave, the new library spans 2,500 square feet and has transformed three existing rooms into a modern space designed to meet the community’s needs.
The design of the new Delhi Library Branch features an innovative glass storefront entrance along with modern furnishings, creating an inviting atmosphere. The library includes curated displays showcasing a new collection of books and materials, which features a variety of resources known as “Library of Things” items. Additionally, a dedicated “Knowledge Bar” will assist patrons with their technology and information inquiries.
To enhance the library experience, the design integrates a roll-up garage-style door that provides access to an outdoor play and learning area. This outdoor space is equipped with built-in storytime areas and additional patio space for community events, catering to all ages and emphasizing a seamless indoor-outdoor flow.
The much-anticipated project was completed at a cost of $4.6 million. It was funded through the City’s Revive Santa Ana pandemic relief program, cannabis revenues, and local sales tax dollars. This initiative plays a critical role in revitalizing community resources and maximizing the availability of educational facilities for residents in Santa Ana.
The library expansion is not just limited to the new Delhi branch. In a further push to enhance the library system, the city plans to introduce an innovative Outdoor Library at Jerome Park, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony scheduled for August 21. This will be the first project of its kind in Santa Ana, providing an exciting new way for the community to engage with library resources.
Additionally, the historic Main Library, which first opened in 1960, is currently undergoing the most substantial renovation and modernization in its history. Renovations at the Main Library, along with the Newhope Library Branch, began this summer, with both locations expected to reopen by summer 2026. Once all branches are fully operational, the Santa Ana library system is projected to serve approximately 250,000 individuals annually.
Various innovative services are in the pipeline as part of the expansion efforts, including a “Knowledge Mobile” that will travel to parks and other locations throughout the city. A second Knowledge Mobile is set to arrive by mid-October, further enhancing access to knowledge and technology for the community.
Overall, the expansion of the Santa Ana library system aims to improve access to knowledge, technology, and community programming. The new Delhi Library Branch serves as a vital component of this initiative, providing residents with a modern and accessible space for learning and exploration.
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Additional Resources
- Public CEO: New Santa Ana Library Branch Opens
- Wikipedia: Santa Ana, California
- LAist: Santa Ana Main Library to Close Until 2026
- Google Search: Santa Ana Library
- OC Register: Santa Ana Main Library to Close for Renovations
- Google Scholar: Santa Ana Library Expansion
- CBS News: Santa Ana Library Using Robots
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Santa Ana Library
- OC Register: Millions Going Toward Santa Ana Libraries
- Google News: Santa Ana Library Expansion
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
