Harrison Memorial restoration on track as foundation reports $16M raised

HARRISON MEMORIAL LIBRARY — Library staff and the Carmel Public Library Foundation told the Library Board of Trustees that the Harrison Memorial Library restoration is progressing on schedule and that fundraising has reached a major milestone.

Melinda, speaking as part of the librarian’s report, said architects with MRY have completed the schematic design phase and the project is "on track" as it moves into design development and construction phases. She said staff and the board are exploring temporary locations for library services while the restoration proceeds and that transition work is under way to support the incoming permanent director.

Alex, speaking for the Carmel Public Library Foundation, said the foundation provided a second-quarter distribution of $91,500 and that the campaign has now "raised over $16,000,000" toward a $17,500,000 goal for the Centennial Restoration. He told trustees the campaign received a $3,000,000 gift from a foundation in Santa Barbara and that the majority of funds are in hand, leaving roughly $1 million (as described by the foundation) to meet the estimated goal.

Trustees asked staff whether the schedule remains firm; staff and architects' representatives said they expect architects to hold the schedule while acknowledging remaining steps such as permitting, final design development and construction oversight.

Why it matters: The restoration will affect where and how library services are delivered while work proceeds. Staff emphasized that service continuity — including possible temporary locations and program shifts — is part of planning, and the foundation said it will continue public programming and fundraising tied to the campaign.

What’s next: Foundation events and further design presentations were scheduled; staff said they will report additional details on temporary location negotiations and the timeline as they become available.