San Benito County Free Library Expansion

The San Benito County Free Library Expansion project, located at 470 5th Street in Hollister, California, involves the renovation and modernization of an existing 15,772-square-foot library building. The project includes a 1,622-square-foot addition, increasing the total building area by approximately 10.3 percent. Key improvements focus on enhancing public spaces, meeting areas, and community services through interior renovations, expanded program areas, structural improvements, and upgrades to accessibility and building systems. The scope of work also encompasses associated site, civil, and utility improvements, as well as the demolition of two small buildings at 498 5th Street and selective demolition within the existing library. Managed by San Benito County, the project is overseen by Abraham Prado, the Director of Planning and Building Services. A Notice of Exemption was filed on September 24, 2026, claiming a CEQA categorical exemption under Class 1 for Existing Facilities. This forecast indicates a comprehensive effort to modernize the county's primary library facility to better serve the community while ensuring the facility meets current building and accessibility standards.