FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 27, 2025

Blanchard Community Library Announces Temporary Closure for HVAC Improvements

SANTA PAULA, CA — Blanchard Community Library will temporarily close to the public from July 7 through July 28, 2025, to allow for interior work associated with the replacement of its aging HVAC system. While construction will begin in early June, public services will continue without interruption until the closure period begins.

During the closure, curbside pickup of library holds will remain available. The Library’s Summer Reading program has been extended through August 16 to ensure continued participation, and the Lunch at the Library program will continue offering free summer meals to children and teens while school is out.

“These upgrades are a vital part of maintaining a safe, comfortable, and energy-efficient space for the community,” said Library Director Justin Formanek. “The HVAC units currently in place are long overdue for replacement. This project ensures that our building can continue to serve as a welcoming space—especially during extreme weather events.”

This work is part of the Library’s ongoing efforts to modernize its infrastructure and reduce long-term operating costs. Coupled with improvements completed during the 2023 interior remodel, the new HVAC system is expected to significantly lower energy consumption, allowing more of the Library’s resources to be directed toward services and programs.

Later this year, the Library will also install a battery energy storage system (BESS) as part of the same project—enhancing sustainability and ensuring the Library can serve as a community cooling center, even during power outages.

This project is supported in whole or in part by funding provided by the State of California, administered by the California State Library, through the Building Forward Library Facilities Improvement Program, the largest capital investment in California’s public libraries to date.

For the most current updates about the project and available services during the closure—including confirmation of the planned reopening date—please visit blanchardlibrary.org/closure or call (805) 525-3615.