What is planned for Pacifica’s libraries?

Libraries remain a crucial learning and gathering place for communities across the country – including here in Pacifica, where nearly two thirds of residents visit at least one branch every year. Due to aging infrastructure and the changing needs of our community, we have embarked upon a modernization project for both of our libraries. Our plans envision creating a new, full-service Sharp Park Library with 7-day availability, and transforming the Sanchez branch into an “Open Access” library with 7-day access to a browsing collection, materials , and a community center.

Why does Pacifica need to renovate its libraries?

The answer is simple: aging infrastructure. Pacifica’s Sharp Park branch was built 57 years ago, and the Sanchez branch was built 38 years ago. These older buildings are in desperate need of repairs like fixes to leaky roofs, upgrades to wiring and computer technology, improvements to earthquake and fire safety, and increased accessibility to seniors and families.

Our libraries are smaller and older than those of comparable and neighboring communities – such as Half Moon Bay, which just opened a new library. We can do better for our community. Pacifica deserves updated, modern libraries that provide safe learning and community spaces for all Pacificans, including our children, teens, seniors.

What are some of the details of the Sanchez library branch project?

We are seeking to repair and convert the 38-year-old, 4,000-square-foot Sanchez library branch into an “Open Access” library, a model that is being adopted by library systems throughout the country. This would provide Pacifica community members with 7-day access to library books, materials via vending machines and self-service kiosks, as well as to tools such as computers, online resources, and printing. The branch would also offer expanded programming for teens, kids, and seniors, as well as larger – and more accessible – community spaces. This allows us to extend the life of a beloved public building while providing more services to residents.

What will you be doing at the Sharp Park library branch?

The 57-year old Sharp Park library is in need of such extensive repairs that it is more cost effective to demolish the building and start fresh. A new, larger 25,000 square foot building would serve as the main library and remain a full-service branch. The new building would be ADA accessible and include expanding the digital and physical collections, increased access to the latest technologies, dedicated teen and children’s gathering spaces, group study rooms, community meeting spaces, and a collaboration/maker space.

Do we need two library branches?

The community voice has been clear – due to our geography, the people of Pacifica want two libraries. By upgrading the Sanchez branch into an “Open Access” model, we can maintain the library as a critical resource while expanding hours and services at the main Sharp Park library.

There are a large number of spending priorities and infrastructure issues in the City of Pacifica that need to be addressed. Can we afford a new library right now?

Providing modern libraries for our City is not an “either, or” choice. Plans for other important upgrades such as city street improvements and the sea wall replacement are already underway, and are being funded by grants, regional taxes, and the State. Library projects cannot benefit from these types of funding, and will instead rely on different funding sources such as loans, local revenue (e.g. a bond measure), and public-private partnerships.

Neighboring cities like Half Moon Bay, which face similar infrastructure improvement needs, have made their libraries a priority – and we believe our community can do the same.

Does the Open Access library model take services away from the Sanchez Library branch?

This model will provide even more access and services for the community. While librarians will continue to maintain onsite hours, visitors will be able to use the library’s community spaces and resources even when staff isn’t present. This will extend Sanchez’s hours to 7 days a week, which is why this new model receives extensive support from the community.  

How will you ensure safety at the Sanchez library with the new Open Access model?

This model has been successfully adopted in cities throughout the country, and hasn’t experienced issues related to public safety. However, we are partnering with our police department to develop a detailed plan that will ensure the safety of our library visitors. Some of these security provisions could include things like cameras and monitored access cards. More information about these plans will be available as the planning process continues.

How much is the project projected to cost?

A 25,000 square foot Sharp Park branch with an expanded Sanchez Library branch is anticipated to cost approximately $54 million.

What additional funding sources are being considered?

We are currently exploring additional financial resources that could cover some of these costs. This includes low or no-interest loans, public-private partnerships such as donor recognition options, and support from the County. We will share more details as they become available.

Do we need such a large Sharp Park Library?

The size of the proposed Sharp Park building is actually considered standard for a community of our size. And despite Pacifica’s larger population, we have significantly smaller libraries than our neighboring communities.

Where are you in the Library Project process? When will the project be completed?

The conceptual design of the new libraries is complete. We hope to secure funding within the next year, and anticipate that permitting and construction will take approximately 24-36 months. We hope to have more detailed information about timing in the near future.25