City of Santa Ana reopens Newhope Library after historic $7.8 million transformation

The Santa Ana City Council led a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the project's completion on Saturday, July 11.

SANTA ANA, Calif. - The City of Santa Ana celebrated the reopening of the Newhope Library on Saturday, July 11, following a year-long closure to modernize, renovate and reimagine the 48-year-old branch library.

The $7.8 million Newhope Library Transformation is the most extensive renovation and modernization project ever undertaken at the location, part of a historic citywide investment in the entire Santa Ana Public Library system.

"Investments in our public libraries are investments in our future," Mayor Valerie Amezcua said. "Libraries are places where children discover a love of reading, students find the tools to succeed, job seekers build new skills and neighbors come together as a community. The Newhope Library project has created a welcoming, modern space that meet the needs of today while preparing for tomorrow."

The reimagined library has a new glass storefront-style entrance with a colorful, inviting façade, and the outdoor patio received a complete makeover, with new seating and a shade structure to create a welcoming space for reading and community gatherings.

Inside, the library features an Innovation Lab designed to provide hands-on STEM learning for all ages, equipped with 3D printers, a laser cutting machine for engraving, sewing machines, video and sound editing stations, and other technology tools. A new public meeting and study room, new furniture and new computers were also added.

Behind the scenes, the project upgraded HVAC, electrical, mechanical and audio/visual systems throughout the building, as well as installed new windows and a new roof. These essential upgrades to critical building systems and infrastructure will ensure the library remains safe and is fit for public use for decades to come.

The Newhope Branch Library first opened to the public in 1978 and quickly became a vital community resource serving Santa Ana's westside communities. From 2009 to 2021, the library was repurposed as a learning center focusing on tutoring and homework help. In 2021, it transitioned back to being a full-service library facility.

The project was funded by the City's Cannabis Public Benefit Fund and general fund, the federal American Rescue Plan Act, a federal Community Development Block Grant, and a California State Library Building Forward Grant.

Newhope Library's reopening follows the City's opening last year of a new library branch at the Delhi Center in southeast Santa Ana and the innovative Outdoor Library at Jerome Park. The Main Library is expected to reopen in October after a two-year transformation and modernization project, the largest investment in that historic facility since it opened in 1960.

Find more photos from the Newhope Library ribbon cutting here.

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