Martinez Library Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Significant dates

Martinez City Library
U.S. National Register of Historic Places

Library as viewed from front
Martinez Library Location in San Francisco Bay Area Show map of San Francisco Bay Area Martinez Library Location in California Show map of California Martinez Library Location in the United States Show map of the United States
Location	740 Court St., Martinez, California
Area	0.16 acres (0.065 ha)
Built	1941; 84 years ago (1941)
Architect	Bangs, E. Geoffrey; Teigland, C.M.
Architectural style	Art Deco
Restored	2011
Visitation	88702 (2016)
NRHP reference No.	07001467
Added to NRHP	January 31, 2008

The Martinez Library is a special old building in downtown Martinez, California. It is a part of the Contra Costa County Library system. This library helps people in the community learn and grow.

History of the Martinez Library
What the Library Offers Today
Gallery
See also

History of the Martinez Library

How the Library Started

Back in 1883, a group called the Esse Quam Videre Club began working to create a free reading room. This was a place where people could come and read books without paying.

Just two years later, in 1885, the Martinez Free Reading Room and Library Association was officially formed. They operated out of a building owned by Dr. John Strentzel. He let them use his building for free! Reading inside was free for everyone. However, if you wanted to take books home, you had to pay a small fee of 25 cents a month.

A New Building for Books

In 1896, Dr. John Strentzel's wife and daughter, Louisa Strentzel Muir (who was married to John Muir), gave land for a new library. People in the community donated money to help build it. The new library cost about US$6,371 (equivalent to about $224,000 in 2022) to build.

After more than 40 years in that building, the people of Martinez voted for a new library. They approved a plan to spend about US$18,000 (equivalent to about $358,000 in 2022) to build it. The new library was designed in a cool style called Art Deco and was finished in 1941.

Modern Updates and Renovation

In November 2008, the people of Martinez voted again. They passed something called Measure H. This measure allowed the library to get a big makeover and become even bigger. The plan included a special area just for kids. It also aimed to create more fun activities for young people. Plus, it made sure the library was easier for people with disabilities to use.

The renovation work cost about US$2,000,000 (equivalent to about $2,684,000 in 2022). It started in November 2010. While the main building was being fixed, the library moved to a temporary spot. They used the old train depot near Martinez station. The library kept serving the community there until August 13, 2011 (2011-08-13). Then, it closed for a short time to move back into its newly renovated home.

The Martinez Library had a big Grand Reopening party on Saturday, August 20, 2011. More than 1000 people visited the library that day! The updated library had new self-service stations. It also had new furniture and more computers for everyone to use.

What the Library Offers Today

The Martinez Library has many different activities and resources for people of all ages. For younger children, they have story time and even Lego workshops. For older kids and adults, there are book clubs and other fun events.

The library also likes to help people learn about different cultures. Since 2009 (2009), they have hosted a special celebration for Chinese Lunar New Year. During this event, you can see exciting Lion dance performances. You can also learn about other Chinese traditions and do crafts.

In the summer, the library helps provide lunches for kids and teens. They do this three days a week as part of the California Summer Meal Coalition. Many families who came for the free lunches had never been to the library before. They didn't know about all the cool things the library offered, besides just lending books. This program helped more people discover and use the library's services.