Escondido library renovation nears finish; city targets June move-in and July grand opening

City of Escondido staff told the Library Board that the renovation of the main library is advancing and that crews are finishing roofing and interior work as staff plan a summer move back to the building.

The presenter said, "The flat alcove areas of the roof are 100% complete," and reported electrical work is about 75% complete while the sprinkler and drywall installations are roughly 95% finished; the sprinkler system cannot be fully tested until staff have moved in. Second-floor windows are scheduled for installation beginning next week. Book stacks have been ordered for delivery in May, with furniture to follow.

City staff also said the library is coordinating with the building department on permits for a parking-lot upgrade that will accommodate solar panels and EV charging stations, a parallel project tied to the Citywide Energy Roadmap. Trustees asked whether EV charging would be free; city staff said pricing had not been decided.

On timing, staff said they are "looking at, moving in during the month of June with a grand opening sometime in July," though specific dates have not been finalized. The city noted the mall lease technically runs through December 2026 but that the budget assumed a roughly 12–15-month presence at the mall.

Trustees asked staff to continue reporting construction milestones and to confirm final move-in and opening dates once they are set. The board was also told staff will provide additional status reports as the project team completes remaining permits and testing.