Porterville City Council approves plans for new library after years of delays

PORTERVILLE, Calif. (KFSN) -- The Porterville City Council has approved plans for a 16,000-square-foot library on Olive Avenue, a decision that has been six years in the making.

The council voted 4-1 in favor of the project during a recent meeting.

Mayor Greg Meister and councilmembers cited the city's finances and economic challenges as reasons for the long delay.

"It's very creative in a very challenging environment and many years of changes, and so I can understand the frustration with the public, but I think this is a good product," Vice Mayor Ed McKervey said.

The project carries a price tag of $22 million.

Since 2022, the community has relied on this temporary library on Olive Avenue at Mains Street, offering about 40 thousand books and computer access.

While residents have embraced the space, a new one has been a long time coming.

"As a Porterville resident who grew up going to the old library and has a strong love of books, I am very excited that we are getting a new library," said Lexi, a local resident.

Lexi says community members have not forgotten the tragic reason behind the plans, the devastating and deadly fire at the former library.

" I was really heartbroken to hear about the fire and the loss of the two firefighters."

Meister says the library is part of a bigger vision for Porterville.

"It's really exciting when we get to the Santa Fe sports complex, that is going to be right behind this library. This area is going to be a hotspot in town," Meister said.

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