Project Update July 2024

A new Central Library is proposed as part of the larger Burbank Civic Center Project, a transformative opportunity to meet City Council goals and community needs while building a thriving downtown neighborhood in a sustainable and fiscally responsible way. The project also proposes new functional open space and replacement of the Administrative Services Building offices in downtown Burbank.

The City of Burbank has been awarded a grant of $9.95 million from the California State Library to fund a new, modern Central Library. The funds will be put towards building features that support its sustainability, accessibility, and resilience. Burbank was one of 34 recipients of $172 million total statewide, out of a pool of nearly 150 applicants for the Building Forward Library Facilities Improvement Program. The $172 million is part of $489 million earmarked by Gov. Gavin Newson and the Legislature to improve libraries.

The new library will replace the current space, a 60-year-old building that is limited by its age and condition in supporting the Burbank community’s needs in education, workforce development, technology training, and access to information and culture. 

Planning for the Civic Center and new Central Library is underway. City staff will provide an update to the City Council in Fall 2024 before launching a competitive process to select an architect to prepare preliminary plans with community input. The target date for the opening of the new library is December 2028.

March 2024 Preferred Project Overview