Project Impact
A Beautiful, Sustainable Civic Space
The New Downtown Library brings energy efficiency, sustainability, and access while improving spaces and services that the community needs. Jayson Architecture has designed the 41,000+ square foot library that prioritizes equity, inclusion, and the environment. The New Downtown Library will be fully ADA compliant to ensure full accessibility with a goal to achieve Net Zero certification and LEED Silver on the Library’s sustainable building components. The new library will be carbon neutral, and include sustainable features like a living roof, solar panels, and high-performance glazing.
The new Downtown Library plan includes spaces for everyone, including large community and family activities rooms, study rooms, toddler area, teen center, expanded children’s library with dedicated programming space, special collections (local history & genealogy) room, and additional spaces such as an atrium and roof deck.
A Look at the Numbers
- The current Downtown Library already provides 22% of all library programs system-wide.
- Newly re-opened branches have seen 150%+ increases in attendance.
- During Fiscal Year 2024, the Santa Cruz Public Libraries welcomed 785,458 visits, lending 1,306,731 materials and 605,847 digital items.
- There were 3,721 public programs for adults, teens, and children and meeting rooms were utilized for 16,123 hours.
- Community members received 11,644 new library cards.
The images and design renderings shown here are for illustrative purposes only, actual materials & final construction design may vary.