Patrons of the Cesar Chavez Central Library — San Joaquin County’s largest branch — will have until the end of July to make their final visits before it closes for a yearslong renovation project.
The central library’s last day open to the public will be July 31, staff confirmed with Stocktonia Monday morning. The closure will make way for a renovation and repair project, according to a library FAQ page. The branch is expected to reopen in about three years.
The renovation project stems from a $10 million state grant awarded in October 2022, head librarian Mary Gazdik told Stocktonia. Aimed at structural updates and maintenance — including HVAC upgrades and reinforcing the building against earthquakes — the grant also required a $5 million match from the city. The library, built in 1964, has not undergone major renovations since 2004, Stocktonia previously reported.
Gazdik referred further questions to the city. In an email statement, spokesperson Tony Mannor said the city could not answer questions about the renovation’s impacts on library operations and services “at this time.” The city will release a statement about the library in the next few days, he added.
During the closure, the library recommends patrons to visit the county’s other 16 branches, including the Fair Oaks, Maya Angelou and Troke libraries — all within a 10-minute drive from the downtown location. Its digital library will remain available, the FAQ notes.
The closure comes after months of debate over the library’s name following sex abuse claims against the once renowned Latino civil rights leader.
In March, a New York Times investigation revealed Cesar Chavez had allegedly groomed and sexually abused multiple, including two who were underage and Dolores Huerta.
Huerta, a Stockton native, had also told the Times that she secretly carried two separate pregnancies to term after Chavez had raped her.
In late April, the Stockton City Council unanimously voted to cover the name from public view as they considered whether it should remain. The library was renamed for Chavez in 1994.
This is a developing story. Check back with Stocktonia for more information.