The Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors is expected to approve a move to temporarily close the Newman Public Library for needed renovations.

The matter was taken up by the board on Tuesday (after press deadline).

The Newman Library was constructed near downtown Newman in 1977. The County has identified the facility as being in need of critical infrastructure renovations that will require closure of the facility.

Construction will close the Newman Library for five months beginning on Dec. 2, with a targeted reopening in May 2025.

Work being conducted will address several Americans with Disabilities Act deficiencies, water intrusion issues, and asbestos abatement in existing floor tiles.

Newman Library staff will be relocated to other branches for the duration of the renovation. This accounts for the library’s two full-time and one part-time worker.

The collection will stay on-site within the library and will not be available for check-out. The book drop will remain accessible outside of the library for return of library materials. Staff have worked with the community to identify a temporary site to provide services and are finalizing a Memorandum of Understanding with the McConnell Center to use one of their rooms for the duration of the closure.