Supporters Hope to Raise $500,000 for Old Library

Standing amid dangling light bulbs, stray wires and exposed plasterboard, David Bianco told about 60 people that the E.P. Foster library would open in a little more than a month.

The chairman of the expansion committee for the downtown Ventura library also asked for additional money to help finish the project.

The still-rugged looking library has been been closed to the public during the last five months in its first renovation since being built in 1959.

The $2-million project will double the library’s size to 31,000 square feet and make structural, mechanical and architectural upgrades, including providing access for the disabled and replacing the ventilation system and light fixtures.

“This building was suffocating,” Bianco said, gesturing at new fixtures in the roof.

Friday’s event kicked off a six-month campaign that Bianco hopes will raise $500,000 from residents and businesses for interior necessities. “On Nov. 21, we will have a nice new looking building with some old, tired stuff in it,” Bianco said.

The funds would be used for computers, an air-conditioning system and a homework center for children.

The second floor of the building will be opened for library users, replacing offices. The parking lot leads directly into a second-story entrance.

“This is a dream come true,” Mayor Jim Friedman said of the project.

“The City Council stepped up to the plate when the county was not performing, and this is truly a great day.”

The city of Ventura assumed ownership of the library and paid for its expansion, but the county remains in charge of operations.

Library officials have already raised about $70,000 and hope to generate the remainder in the coming months. At least $10,000 was collected at Friday’s event, staff members said.