Dos Palos to get new and improved library, thanks to $3 million from state budget

The Dos Palos branch of the Merced County Library is on track to see major facilities upgrades, thanks to an injection of $3 million secured in the state’s 2022-23 budget.

The funds will be leveraged to kick off the first component of a larger, multi-phased project that’s expected to exceed $8 million, according to a Merced County news release. The plan is to revamp the Dos Palos Library, as well as renovate the Del Hale Hall Community Center and O’Banion Park.

The library component of the project will replace the outdated site that’s currently serving the Dos Palos area. Located near the corner of Golden Gate Avenue and Almond Street, the structure was built in 1963 and is in need of significant structural and accessibility upgrades, according to the release.

Plans call for the new 3,561 square-foot library tobe constructed next to Del Hale Hall within O’Banion Park. The site will also serve as a hub for residents to learn, apply for jobs and benefits, and access literacy programs.

The $3 million chunk allocated for the library upgrades as part of the state budget was secured by Sen. Anna Caballero D-Merced, with support from Assemblyman Adam Gray, D-Merced, after a funding request was submitted by the county.

Architectural plans for the Dos Palos Library were completed in December 2021. The project is shovel-ready, according to the release.

Merced County Supervisor Scott Silveira, whose District 5 encompasses Dos Palos, said in the release that while the $3 million in funds is a major step forward, there’s still work to be done.

“I’d like to offer my sincerest thanks and appreciation toward Senator Caballero and Assemblyman Gray for helping to secure this funding,” Silveira said. “This will greatly assist us in our efforts to build a suitable library for the Dos Palos community.”

“We have additional funding requests out that would further support not only this component of the project, but also much-needed repairs to Del Hale Hall and O’Banion Park,” he added.