LAKEPORT, Calif. – After a monthlong closure for renovations, the Lake County Library’s Lakeport branch has reopened for the new year.

The Lakeport Library, located at 1425 N. High St., was under construction for the month of December. During the closure, patrons were served by curbside pickup, the bookmobile and digital access.

The library building was constructed in 1986. At that time, the county library moved from the Carnegie Library in downtown Lakeport, where it had been since 1918.

In 2017, the library had roof improvements, new carpet installed, a new circulation desk added and reorganization. There was also a bathroom renovation in 2024.

For 2025, the library renovations involved installing a modern fire suppression, or sprinkler, system to increase the building’s safety.

This required removing the existing drop ceiling, installing the pipework and hardware, and then reinstalling the ceiling. The work also includes necessary plumbing upgrades to support the system. 

While the work isn’t fully completed yet, the most hands-on work is done, which is why the library is open to patrons, said County Librarian Christopher Veach.

On Saturday, community members were busy enjoying the facility once again, whether picking up books or getting together for group meetings.

There are still openings in the ceiling to complete the sprinkler work and construction materials are stacked in the center of the building, however, staff and patrons are able to safely move around the work.

Much of the funding for the project came from a state grant.

On March 15, 2022, the Board of Supervisors approved an application to the California State Library to secure grant funding for the project, as Lake County News has reported.

The grant was approved and provided through the California State Library’s Building Forward Infrastructure Grant program. 

The total program budget is $1,649,502. Of that money, $1,099,667 was awarded from the California State Library and a $549,835 match came from the Lake County General Fund. 

Veach said the project aims to make libraries safer for everyone in times of disasters, adding to Lake County’s resilience.

The infrastructure will be protected and secure more than ever before, Veach said.

By doing this, “We ensure the library remains a reliable community resource, strengthening our ability to fulfill our mission to promote reading, literacy, and lifelong learning for everyone in Lake County,” Veach added.

Jordan O’Halloran writes feature stories for Lake County News.