FOUNTAIN VALLEY : Library Will Close for Move to New Site

The Fountain Valley Library will close today for the long-awaited move into its new 15,000-square-foot building, which is behind the current site.

The moving process will last for about 10 weeks, according to branch officials, and a grand opening is expected for the fall. During that time, all books and new equipment and furniture will be moved in and new shelving will be installed.

Patrons are asked to use the nearby branches in Garden Grove, Westminster and Costa Mesa while the Fountain Valley branch is closed. However, the book drop at the old site will remain open for returning books to any of the three neighboring libraries.

The Friends of the Library will hold a book sale Friday and July 20 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to sell off some of the older books.

The new, fan-shaped library makes the Fountain Valley branch one of the largest in the 27-branch county system.

The $2.4-million building, paid by both city and county funds, features two reading lounges, a Friends of the Library bookstore, a typing room, a conference room and an assembly area for up to 150 people.

In addition to its permanent art collection, the new library will have a gallery wall featuring temporary exhibits by local artists.

The star attraction will be a 22-foot-long, rainbow-colored dragon that seats up to 20 children which will be used for story time.

The former library will be refurbished and rented out by the city as a public hall.