The long-delayed reopening of Boyle Heights’ Benjamin Franklin Library has been pushed back yet again, with renovations now expected to finish in April 2027.
The latest delay stems from a disruption in funding, said a representative from the Bureau of Engineering, which oversees the planning and design of city infrastructure projects.
Originally, $2.2 million for the project was to be drawn from the city’s decarbonization program. However, those funds were eliminated due to budget cuts under Mayor Karen Bass. Now, the project is going through a “value engineering” process to remain within the reduced budget, prompting what officials called a “slight delay.”
According to the library’s website and an information report from the Bureau of Engineering, the project is still in its design phase. Construction had originally been scheduled to begin in July 2025, with a one-year timeline ending on July 16, 2026. That timeline has now shifted, with construction beginning in April of 2026 and finishing a year later.
The Benjamin Franklin Library first closed its doors to the public during the pandemic in 2020, like many other libraries throughout the city. But, while other libraries reopened, the local branch remained closed after it was determined that it needed extensive renovations. The library had initially been slated to reopen in early 2024.
Residents seek answers as delays pile up
Neighborhood residents have sought answers about the delays, leading Councilwoman Ysabel Jurado to call for a report detailing the project’s progress and setbacks. That report cited a staffing shortage as one of the project’s first issues, which delayed environmental and historical cultural assessments necessary to determine the renovation’s design approach. “Soft demolition” inside the building, as well as work on seating and book stacks, has already been completed, according to the report.
Renovations include new carpets, bookshelves, study rooms and furniture. Exterior restorations will include solar panels, a repaved parking lot, and electric vehicle charging stations. Existing resources like the Adult Literacy Program – which helps adults with their reading abilities – and the New American Center – which helps residents with immigration needs – will have their own dedicated space.
Meanwhile, the temporary bungalow that had supported the Benjamin Franklin Library’s services permanently closed on Friday, further limiting residents’ access to books, newspapers, and printing and copying services.
“It’s a loss. It’s a place to quietly read and peruse, even if I wasn’t taking out any books,” said Tyrone “Keith” Reynolds, who on Monday tried to return a book at the bungalow, only to find it closed. “As a young kid, the library was my sanctuary.”
Library vans and City Hall to provide interim services
To fill the service gap during renovation, L.A. Public Library and branch staff, with support from Jurado’s office, will offer interim library services from the Boyle Heights City Hall.
Starting Aug. 19, the L.A. Public Library’s Street Fleet vans will stop every Tuesday between 12 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. to provide library materials, fulfill patron holds, and answer reference questions. The library will also host programs and workshops inside Boyle Heights City Hall’s community room starting this summer, Jurado’s office said.
Materials checked out at the temporary library can be returned at any other L.A. Public Library branch. Tech2Go Chromebooks can be returned at the Stevenson or Lincoln Heights branch libraries.
Nearby branches — including the R.L. Stevenson and Malabar libraries — will continue to serve as alternate hubs while the Franklin Library remains closed.
Jurado has said the report she requested was the first step in “restoring access to the Boyle Heights library.”
“Boyle Heights, like any neighborhood, deserves our city services and deserves a safe place for respite,” she said.
Boyle Heights Beat senior reporter Alejandra Molina contributed to this story.