Dixon Library is preparing for a major renovation and expansion aimed at addressing space limitations, preserving its historic Carnegie building and expanding services for a growing and increasingly diverse community. Operational hours may be affected by the expansion. Photo by Kendall Brown

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Dixon Library is preparing for a major renovation and expansion aimed at addressing space limitations, preserving its historic Carnegie building and expanding services for a growing and increasingly diverse community.

The project is being planned as library use continues to rise, according to Supervising Librarian Rhea Gardner. She said the facility serves a wide range of patrons throughout the day, from students and seniors to job seekers and families.

“We’re renovating because we’re running out of space,” said Gardner. “Dixon is growing, and the library is getting busier. We have a huge after-school crowd, seniors come in during the morning and we have adults coming in to do job applications.”

The library hosts story times, crafts and other programs, and regularly welcomes families, longtime residents and visitors passing through town to view local archives. Gardner said the renovation is intended to ensure the library can continue serving as a central resource.

The existing building, located on East B Street between North First and North Second streets, is a Carnegie library originally built between 1911 and 1912. According to the Dixon Historical Society, it was funded through a $10,000 grant from industrialist Andrew Carnegie after members of the Dixon Women’s Improvement Club petitioned for a public library. The building was dedicated in February 1913 and made Dixon the first town in Solano County to have its own public library.

Today, only 37 of the 142 Carnegie libraries built in California remain in existence. The Dixon Carnegie Library was added to the National Register of Historic Places on Feb. 4, 2011, an effort supported by the Dixon Carnegie Library Preservation Society. In January 2020, the library became part of the Solano County Library system.

The project is being planned as library use continues to rise. Today, only 37 of the 142 Carnegie libraries built in California remain in existence. Photo courtesy of Dixon Library

Gardner said preserving the historic structure is a key priority of the project.

“We definitely want to keep the Carnegie library as it is to ensure it lasts another hundred years,” said Gardner. “We’re hoping to restore it, maybe repaint it. It’s a source of pride in Dixon.”

She added that renovations may also allow the library to bring currently unused areas, such as the basement, up to code so the space can be used.

The expansion would also address functional needs. Gardner said the library currently lacks meeting rooms and quiet study areas.

“It would be nice to have quiet spaces for teens to do homework or adults to take Zoom meetings,” said Gardner.

Looking ahead, Gardner said the renovation could help the library expand its role as a community hub over the next decade or more. In addition to books, the library is exploring nontraditional collections such as tools, baking equipment and park passes. According to Gardner, serving Dixon’s Spanish-speaking community and participating in local outreach events remain priorities.

“We’ve partnered with the city of Dixon and the schools as well,” said Gardner. “I just see our role as helping as many people in the community as possible.”

While construction timelines and logistics are still being determined, Gardner said the library does not expect to fully suspend services.

“We may have to relocate, but I don’t see us closing down entirely due to the service we provide,” said Gardner. “Whatever happens, we will make every effort to support the Dixon community.”

The library will host a community input meeting Feb. 5 from 6 to 8 p.m. to gather feedback on what residents would like to see included in the renovation.

“This library is for you,” said Gardner. “We are here for you. The library is the heart of the city, and the support provided goes both ways. We support the community and the community supports us.”

For more information, visit solanolibrary.com or call 1-866-572-7587.