Walnut Creek's Ygnacio Valley Library will shut its doors Wednesday, Sept. 9, for roughly nine months of renovations, the city and Contra Costa County Library announced.

The branch at 2661 Oak Grove Road is expected to reopen around May 31, 2027. Crews will replace the HVAC system with an all-electric unit, install a new roof and overhaul the building's electrical and lighting systems, the Contra Costa Herald reported. The project is funded through Measure X dollars, supplemented by county library reserves.

Tuesday, Sept. 8, is the last day patrons can pick up holds at the Ygnacio Valley branch. After that, uncollected holds move to the Walnut Creek Library on North Broadway. The book drop will also close. Patrons can borrow and return materials at any open Contra Costa County Library branch, including locations in Clayton, Concord and Pleasant Hill.

The city anticipated the demand shift.

Starting July 1, Walnut Creek funded four extra open hours per week at its main library, bringing the weekly total from 52 to 56, according to the county librarian's July message. Patrons with account questions during the closure can call (800) 984-4636.

New ballot drop box replaces library location

Because the Ygnacio Valley Library is closing, the city installed a new official ballot drop box at Shadelands Art Center, 111 N. Wiget Lane, the city announced on Instagram. The box is in place ahead of the Nov. 3 statewide general election.

Civic Park playground work moves forward

Separately, Civic Park playground renovations are underway. The Walnut Creek City Council unanimously approved a $572,902 contract with Playcore Wisconsin, Inc., doing business as GameTime, at its Jan. 20 meeting. That total includes a $50,000 contingency.

The city solicited community input on playground designs for Civic Park and Walden Park in June 2025. No completion date has been announced.

Mayor Kevin Wilk highlighted all three updates in the Sept. 1 Mayor's Minute video posted on the city's social media accounts.