Senator Bob Archuleta Secures $4.4 Million for Upgrades to the Whittier Library

NORWALK CA – California State Senator Archuleta has secured $4.4 million needed for the city of Whittier’s multi-million dollar modernization library project. The money is part of the $214.8-billion budget, the largest in the state’s history, signed Thursday by Governor Gavin Newsom.

“I worked with the Governor and my colleagues in the Senate and Assembly to bring vital resources to improve the quality of life for those who work and live in District 32,” Archuleta said.

The Whittier Central Library, 7344 Washington Ave., is in immediate need of construction upgrades – including electrical and plumbing – to ensure the integrity of the building. There are also issues with the roof and sewer.

The estimated cost for the repairs is nearly $15 million.

“A library plays a vital role in a thriving community,” Archuleta said. “It is my honor to have secured money to help pay for the much-needed repairs so that patrons can enjoy the library and its programs in a safe environment.”

City officials had speculated a time when the library’s doors may have to close if funding was not available to make the necessary safety improvements.

“We are very thankful to Senator Archuleta for his support and dedication to the Whittier Central Library, we will build this library for the children and the generations that follow. A child can find no better place to learn the love of reading than our library,” Whittier Mayor Joe Vinatieri said.

The current Whittier Public Library opened June 1, 1959 in the Whittier Civic Center. Designed by William H. Harrison it occupied 27,845 square feet, which increased to 34.543 square feet upon completion of the mezzanine in 1974.