The ribbon cutting for the temporary Roseland library was a joyous occasion, and a preview of what’s to come
Together, we’re building a 21st Century Library system. A new Roseland Regional Library is the next step.
Help us fund an abundance of resources and programs to meet the needs of the Roseland community–free and accessible to everyone.
When most people think “library” they think of shelves of books and a librarian who says “shhh!” But libraries are changing, and Sonoma County Library is leading that change.
We’re building a 21st century library system brimming with programs and resources for every age and every interest – always free and accessible to all.
It started with the passage of Measure Y, the sales tax measure supported by the voters of Sonoma County that provides the funds we need to offer innovative programs to address the challenges we’re facing. We also expanded hours and now we’re open on Sundays at 11 more branches.
Modern libraries blend traditional services with the latest expertise, a blend of high tech and high touch. In the 21st century, libraries will not only meet the needs of today, they will also meet the needs of tomorrow.
Sonoma County Library’s new Facilities Master Plan guides us as we develop a shared vision of how 21st Century libraries can support implementation of our Reimaging Plan.
The highest priority is construction of the new Roseland Library.
But every branch in our system has to be modernized and adapted to 21st Century service. To implement all the plan recommendations would cost upwards of $200 million over 25 years. The library is not solely responsible for these costs; they must be planned and coordinated with our partner cities and the county.
The library’s current funding from property tax and sales tax will be insufficient to address these needs, hence the need for augmented funding from private sources.
Santa Rosa Mayor Chris Rogers joined an impromptu story time at the temporary Roseland Library.
In the 2022 Portrait of Sonoma County, Roseland is one of three census tracts identified as having the lowest human development index levels in the county. The region is chronically underserved, with one of the lowest community poverty indexes as well. Roseland residents have lower life expectancies; four in 10 adults lack high school diplomas; school enrollment is below the county average; and earnings are roughly
$22,000 per year.
Roseland is a motivated neighborhood creating its own inspiring renaissance. A new permanent library will be an energizing element, bringing free and accessible resources complementing the efforts of other key investors in Roseland, including the City of Santa Rosa (building this community hub), Santa Rosa Junior College (investing in facilities and programs), Roseland Public Schools (where 95 percent of graduates of Roseland University Prep are accepted to college) and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Sonoma-Marin
On January 12, 2022, the Santa Rosa City Council voted unanimously (6/0) to approve the acquisition of six acres on Hearn Avenue in southwest Santa Rosa for The Hearn Community Hub Project. The property acquisition allows the City to move forward on plans for the future extension of Dutton Avenue and the Colgan Creek Multi-Use Path, and for multiple public uses, potentially including a fire station, the Roseland Regional Library, a community center and pool.
The critical source of inspiration for the development of this project comes first from the “voices of the community” whose candid feedback will be the basis for how facilities campus-wide, and Library programming and resources will ultimately be designed. To name just a few:
We are also engaged with NGOs that serve this community, including Community Action Partnership Sonoma County; Santa Rosa Community Health; Sonoma County Economic Development Board and more, whose role will be to join and/or advise the community needs assessment, and contribute valuable information about overlapping constituent needs.
Initial estimates support an overall budget of $26.1 million:
Preliminary estimates assume the construction of a 20,000 square foot library including consultants, planners and designers; the collection and resources; furniture, fixtures, and equipment; staff time to prepare the library, and the collection and resources.
With construction costs no longer an obstacle, $3.6 million is needed to be raised, primarily to bring alive the inside of the new library. Contributions will provide for the collection, furniture, fixtures, and equipment, and other expenses anticipated in the project.
Committed for the Collection, Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment
Balance to be raised:
Balance to be raised: $3.6 million
Since its initial formation in 1986, the Sonoma County Public Library Foundation has been equal parts vocal advocate, generous funder and staunch champion for the Sonoma County Library.