The E.P. Foster Library in downtown Ventura will temporarily close as of March 23 for a $13 million renovation. Construction is expected to be completed by fall 2027.
The project is designed to transform the facility into a modern, accessible space for the community and install a new heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, the city said.
During the closure, community members can continue to use all Ventura County Library online tools and resources, and visit nearby Ventura libraries, including the Avenue Library, Hill Road Library, and Saticoy Library.
The Mobile Library will be activated downtown on 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Mondays with additional resources and story time programs.
Updated hours, service information, and frequently asked questions (FAQs) are available on the library’s website and will be updated throughout the project.
“We’re excited to bring these long-planned improvements to life,” said Nancy Schram, Ventura County Library director.
“When the work is complete, E.P. Foster will offer more accessible spaces, enhanced technology, improved energy efficiency, and greater year-round comfort for everyone who uses the library,” she said. “We look forward to welcoming the community back to a space that truly reflects their needs.”
Announced in November 2024, the renovation project is funded through significant state, federal, and local investments.
In 2023, E.P. Foster Library received an $8.7 million Building Forward Grant from the California State Library to improve library facilities. The grant requires a 50 percent local match, which the city of Ventura and Ventura County will share to support this vital community resource.
Additionally, Rep. Salud Carbajal (CA-24) secured $750,000 in Community Project Funding to help pay for the new HVAC system, and the Ventura Friends of the Library (VFOL) approved a resolution committing $250,000 in capital support for the project.
“I’m proud to have secured federal funding to ensure the E.P. Foster Library can install a brand-new HVAC system,” said Carbajal.
“These upgrades will allow the library to continue serving as a vital educational resource while also providing a safe cooling center for the community during extreme heat events,” he said.
The renovated facility will be designed to better serve residents year-round and to function as a cooling center during extreme heat events.
For project updates and background information, visit www.library.venturacounty.gov/epfoster.
For questions regarding the project, email Schram at nancy.schram@ventura.org.