Walnut Creek's Ygnacio Valley Library will shut its doors Sept. 9 for a nine-month renovation that will replace the branch's aging HVAC system with an all-electric unit, install a new roof and modernize electrical and lighting throughout the building.
The branch at 2661 Oak Grove Road is expected to reopen around May 31, 2027, according to an announcement from the Contra Costa County Library. The project is funded by Measure X, the county's voter-approved sales tax, supplemented by library system reserves.
Sept. 8 is the last day patrons can pick up holds at the Ygnacio Valley branch. Starting Sept. 9, uncollected holds will transfer to the Walnut Creek Library at 1644 N. Broadway. The book drop and parking lot at the Oak Grove Road location will also close for the duration.
Extra hours already in place downtown
The downtown branch has already added hours in anticipation. Library commissioners Tinfow and Lurvey lobbied the Walnut Creek city manager earlier this year for expanded hours at the N. Broadway location, according to May 21 Library Commission minutes. The city council approved the request, and four additional hours per week took effect July 1, bringing the Walnut Creek Library from 52 to 56 weekly hours.
County Librarian Alison McKee wrote in her July 2026 community message that the expanded hours were strategically timed to handle increased demand ahead of the Ygnacio Valley Library's closure for infrastructure improvements.
What patrons need to know
During the closure, books and other physical materials can be borrowed or returned at any open Contra Costa County Library branch, including the Walnut Creek, Clayton, Concord and Pleasant Hill locations. Patrons with account questions can call (800) 984-4636.
The Ygnacio Valley project is part of a broader renovation wave across the county library system. The Kensington Library closed July 24 for work expected to last until February 2028, and the Antioch Library is closing Sept. 1 with a target reopening of Feb. 15, 2027. All three projects draw on Measure X funding.
The East Bay Times reported Aug. 22 that the Ygnacio Valley and Antioch closures were announced together as part of the county's September renovation schedule.
Upcoming
- Sept. 8 — Last day to pick up holds at Ygnacio Valley Library
- Sept. 9 — Branch closes; holds move to Walnut Creek Library, 1644 N. Broadway
- May 31, 2027 (approx.) — Targeted reopening date
