New Campbell Library Sets Opening

The new 24,000-square-foot Campbell Library is part of a larger civic improvement project funded by Measure O, a $50 million bond passed by voters in 2018. The library portion of the project utilized $20.5 million from the bond, supplemented by a $4.7 million state library grant and $500,000 from a Silicon Valley Clean Energy grant to create a fully electric building. This facility replaces the previous 1975 building at the same 77 Harrison Avenue location, which had become outdated and was noted for its dark basement and small elevator. During the multi-year construction, which included tearing the old structure down to its foundation, limited services were available at a temporary "Campbell Express Library" in the community center. The new two-story structure emphasizes natural light with floor-to-ceiling windows and a more open, usable floor plan. Notable features include a flexible community gathering space called "The Overlook," reservable meeting rooms equipped with wall monitors, and distinct areas for children and teens. For professionals in career transition, the library offers significant resources. As part of the Santa Clara County Library District, cardholders have access to online career tools like JobNow for live coaching and resume assistance, and LinkedIn Learning for skills development. The new building will also provide free Wi-Fi and laptops for patrons to borrow. Initial plans targeted a November 2025 opening, but the project experienced delays. These were attributed to finalizing interior work and incorporating the requirements for the all-electric grant, which was awarded late in the construction process. The Santa Clara County Library District contributed approximately $510,000 for interior amenities, while the Friends of the Campbell Library fundraising arm sought to raise an additional $250,000 for programming and specialized furnishings not covered by the primary construction budget.