The presentation was led by representatives of Noll & Tam, the design team responsible for the renovation. Attendees included (L-R) Christopher Noll, Elaine Kross, Noah Lohmueller and Jane Catalano, principal. They were joined by Megan Wong, Solano County Library's acting director of library services. Photo by Nicolas Brown

DIXON, CA (MPG) – Plans for upcoming renovations to the Dixon Carnegie Library were outlined during a community input meeting held Feb. 5 at Dixon Library, 230 N. First St., where residents were invited to share ideas and concerns as early design concepts are developed.

The meeting began at 6 p.m. with a slideshow presentation led by the Noll & Tam design team, which is working with Solano County Library officials on the project. Attendees included Christopher Noll, founding partner and principal of Noll & Tam; Jane Catalano, principal; Elaine Kross, senior associate and project manager; Noah Lohmueller, designer; and Megan Wong, Solano County Library acting director of library services. More than 20 community members attended. Pizza from Cenario’s and soda were provided.

Wong opened the meeting by welcoming attendees and introducing the design team. She emphasized the importance of community involvement in shaping the future of the library.

“This library anchors downtown and really adds to the historic feel of Dixon,” said Wong.

Noll said his firm is excited to work on the Dixon Library renovation, noting Noll & Tam’s experience restoring historic libraries.

“We’ve renovated eight or nine Carnegie libraries,” said Noll, adding that the firm specializes in preserving historic features while modernizing facilities.

Following Noll’s remarks, Wong asked attendees to share their hopes and interests for the library renovation. She said the county and design team are working closely together and using community input to help determine the scope and cost of the project.

Kross then presented a recap of community engagement efforts conducted in fall 2025. She said the design team first gathered feedback through an online survey that was available throughout December 2025. The survey asked residents how often they visit the library, what services they use and what programs or amenities they would like to see.

The team also conducted stakeholder interviews and focus groups with seniors, teens and parents, with up to 10 participants per group.

Plans for upcoming renovations to the Dixon Carnegie Library were outlined during a community input meeting held Feb. 5 at Dixon Library, 230 N. First St., where residents were invited to share ideas and concerns as early design concepts are developed. Photo by Nicolas Brown

“There was a high need for meeting and private spaces,” said Kross, noting that each focus group expressed that need for different reasons.

Key findings from the outreach included a desire for the library to serve as a center for community and civic pride, function as a “third space” for all ages, offer flexibility for future needs and provide additional meeting rooms. Kross said the goal is to translate that input into designs that positively impact the Dixon community.

After Kross’s presentation, Catalano discussed the history of Dixon’s Carnegie Library, sharing historic photographs and outlining how the building has evolved.

Lohmueller followed with an overview of the building’s architectural features, including previous expansions and renovations. He said the heritage oak tree on the property will remain untouched during any future construction.

The design team outlined elements that could be included in a renovation, such as restoring historic architectural details, improving accessibility, making seismic upgrades, modernizing electrical and lighting systems and enhancing energy efficiency and thermal comfort. Presenters noted that the building currently has limited electrical outlets.

The team also shared examples of features found in modern libraries to help spark ideas, clarifying that these were not proposed designs but conceptual references.

Noll said the renovation is necessary to preserve the building.

“This library needs renovations to keep it safe, and we’d hate to lose this lovely building,” said Noll.

Additional topics discussed included improving the parking situation and ensuring accessibility through features such as ramps and more comfortable seating.

The design team said construction would likely take about 18 months. During that time, the county would explore alternate locations, so library services remain available to the public. Funding options are still being evaluated, including the potential use of a general obligation bond.

Community feedback from the meeting will be used to help guide the scope, design and funding considerations for the Dixon Library renovation as planning efforts continue.