SANTA ANA, Calif. – The City of Santa Ana celebrated the opening of a new library branch on Thursday, Aug. 14, as part of the largest expansion of the library system in 50 years and a historic $50 million investment in library facilities.
The Santa Ana City Council led a ribbon cutting ceremony for the new Delhi Library Branch, located inside the Delhi Center at 505 E. Central Ave.
“We are proud to celebrate the opening of the first new library in Santa Ana in a generation,” Mayor Valerie Amezcua said. “The Delhi Library Branch will bring much-needed library services to residents and neighborhoods in southeast Santa Ana. This project, along with our other historic investments in our library system, reflects the commitment of the Santa Ana City Council to improve the quality of life of everyone in our great city.”
The new 2,500-square-foot branch transformed three existing rooms into a vibrant, modern indoor/outdoor public library space. The branch features an innovative glass storefront entrance, modern furnishings, curated displays, along with a brand new collection of books, materials and Library of Things items.
The library is also designed with a unique “Knowledge Bar,” allowing staff to assist patrons with technology and information needs. A roll-up garage-style door seamlessly connects the library to a new multigenerational outdoor play and learning area, complete with built-in story time and program spaces, and additional patio space for events and activities. The design emphasizes indoor/outdoor flow with exposed ceiling mechanicals, floating soundproof panels and a welcoming environment for all ages. A new public entrance and accessible restroom allows the branch to operate as an independent facility from the community center.
The $4.6 million project, funded through the City’s Revive Santa Ana pandemic relief program, Cannabis Public Benefit Fund revenues, and local sales tax dollars, reflects the City’s commitment to expanding access to knowledge, technology and community programming.
In addition to the Delhi Library Branch, the City is opening an innovative Outdoor Library at Jerome Park, the first of its kind in Santa Ana. A ribbon cutting ceremony is scheduled for Aug. 21.
The historic Main Library, which opened in 1960, is undergoing the largest renovation and modernization in its history, while work on the Newhope Library Branch renovation began this summer. Both of these libraries are scheduled to reopen in summer 2026.
The City’s library system is expected to serve 250,000 people annually once all of the Santa Ana Public Library sites are open, along with the services provided by the library’s Knowledge Mobile at parks and other locations – and a second Knowledge Mobile arriving in mid-October.
See photos of the Delhi Library Branch ribbon cutting here.
Local Value of the New Santa Ana Library
- Investment: The Delhi Library Branch is part of a $50 million expansion, the largest in 50 years.
- Cost of the Branch: The Delhi project alone cost $4.6 million, funded by pandemic relief, cannabis tax revenue, and local sales tax.
- Reach: Once all branches are open, the Santa Ana Public Library system is expected to serve 250,000 people annually.
Economic Impact
- Return on Investment: For every dollar invested in public libraries, studies show a return of $3 to $6, and sometimes up to $10.
- Job Support: Libraries offer résumé help, job interview practice, and small business resources. During economic downturns, library use for employment support can increase by 50%.
- Consumer Spending: Library visitors boost nearby business revenue by an estimated 23% due to “halo spending.”
Social and Community Benefits
- Health & Housing Support: Libraries now serve as hubs for navigating health care, housing, and social services. Some even employ social workers.
- Safe Third Place: Libraries are trusted, neutral spaces that foster community engagement and reduce isolation.
- Literacy & Education: Programs improve literacy, reduce inequality, and increase lifetime earnings. They also help lower incarceration and healthcare costs.
About Santa Ana
Santa Ana is downtown for the world-famous Orange County, California. It is the County Seat, headquarters to national corporations including a Fortune 500 company, and home to a vibrant evening scene and arts community. Over 1,700 City of Santa Ana employees work hard every day to deliver efficient public services in partnership with our community to ensure public safety, a prosperous economic environment, opportunities for our youth, and a high quality of life for residents. Learn more at www.santa-ana.org.