The Contra Costa County Library received $9.9 million dollars in grant funding for the buildout of the new Bay Point Library.  

The money comes from the California State Library’s Building Forward Library Facilities Improvement Program.  

The award requires a 50 percent match from the library, which the library said Monday in a statement will come from a portion of the $10 million the Contra Costa County Board of Supervisors designated for the Bay Point Library project in the 2023-24 budget.  

The grant requires the money to be spent on specific parts of the project, including interior construction, HVAC, plumbing, electrical, fire protection and conveying systems.  

“Bay Point is the fastest growing unincorporated area in the county and these grant funds will help to build a library that really meets the needs of the community,” said District 5 Supervisor Federal Glover, whose district includes Bay Point. “The residents of Bay Point are getting a modern, spacious library that can offer the technology and services they deserve.” 

“There is no community in greater need.” County librarian Alison McKee

County librarian Alison McKee said the grant helps bring a state-of-the-art library to a growing community. 

“There is no community in greater need,” McKee said. 

The existing 4,000 square foot Bay Point Library is located at Riverview Middle School in a building built in 1956. Library officials say it lacks the necessary power and data infrastructure to support the 21st century technological needs of a library. Limited electrical and telecommunications access means limited computer stations and reduced access to power receptacles for patrons’ laptop and mobile devices. 

The new Bay Point Library will be part of a mixed use, high-density, transit-oriented development within the Pittsburg-Bay Point BART station area. It will include retail space and 340 low-income housing units. The 21,000 square foot library is expected to open in early 2027.  

The $172 million awarded to state libraries this year is part of $489 million set aside in 2022 by Governor Newsom and the Legislature to improve libraries in high poverty areas. Last year, $312 million was awarded by the State Library for 246 projects.  

The Contra Costa County Library received $2.5 million for deferred maintenance for the Antioch and Pinole libraries. The grant funds will pay for several projects including replacing the HVAC systems, replacing both roofs, electrical services upgrades, lighting improvements and paint.    

More information on the grant program is available on the state library website at https://www.library.ca.gov/grants/buildingforward.