By Redacción
Redaccion@latinocc.com
The Ventura County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the acceptance of a $250,000 donation Tuesday to support the renovation of the E.P. Foster Library in downtown Ventura.
The contribution was made by Ventura Friends of the Library and will help meet the required local matching funds for the state-funded Building Forward Grant project. As part of the action, the Board also authorized the necessary budget adjustments to formally receive and allocate the funds, with no additional cost to the County’s General Fund.
“This generous donation reflects the power of community partnerships,” said Board Chair Jeff Gorell. “The support of Ventura Friends of the Library helps us secure critical funding to modernize the E.P. Foster Library with upgrades that will improve safety, accessibility and comfort for residents. These improvements will ensure the library can continue serving as a vital community resource and even provide a safe cooling space during extreme heat.”
State Grant and Local Match
The renovation project is supported by an $8,726,671 Building Forward Grant awarded by the California State Library. The grant requires a 50% local match of $4,363,329, bringing the total project budget to $13,090,001.
County officials said they have worked collaboratively with local partners to secure the required matching funds. In addition to the newly approved $250,000 donation, the project includes $2,181,665 from the City of Ventura.
Of that amount, $750,000 comes from federal Community Development Block Grant funds secured by the city, while $1,431,665 is funded directly by the city. The local match also includes $750,000 in County American Rescue Plan Act funds previously approved by the Board, along with $1,431,665 from the library system’s reserves.
With the acceptance of the Ventura Friends of the Library donation, officials said the County continues to strengthen the financial foundation of this major capital improvement project.
“We are profoundly grateful to our Ventura Friends of the Library for their extraordinary generosity,” said Ventura County Library Director Nancy Schram. “Because they are a local grassroots organization that raises funds for Ventura libraries through community contributions, everyone who has supported the Friends has made this possible. This donation plays a key role in strengthening the E.P. Foster Library as a welcoming space for learning, connection and opportunity for everyone in our community.”
Modernization and Community Impact
The Building Forward Grant Program was created to help public libraries modernize aging facilities, improve accessibility and expand services to meet evolving community needs.
Planned upgrades at the E.P. Foster Library include critical infrastructure improvements and modernization of building systems to ensure the facility remains safe, welcoming and functional for years to come.
The busiest branch in the Ventura County Library system, the E.P. Foster Library is located in the heart of downtown Ventura and serves as a hub for reading programs, community gatherings and educational events. It also provides research and technological resources for students and job seekers.
County leaders emphasized that the improvements supported by this funding will help maintain reliable building systems, enhance energy efficiency and improve the overall experience for visitors.
Officials added that the renovated facility will also serve as a community resilience center, offering a safe and climate-controlled space during extreme heat events or other emergencies.
Community members interested in learning more about the E.P. Foster Library renovation project or supporting Ventura County libraries can visit the Ventura County Library website for additional information.
