Memorandum
Date: November 5, 2025
To: The Honorable Lake County Board of Supervisors
From: Christopher Veach, County Librarian
Subject: Approve Request to Close County Library, Lakeport Branch to the Public for the Month of December 2025 for Construction
Executive Summary: To facilitate the safe and efficient installation of a new fire suppression system, I am requesting Board approval for the temporary closure of the Lakeport Library branch for the entire month of December 2025.
This infrastructure upgrade is funded by the Building Forward Grant from the California State Library. Public Services reports that a one-month, uninterrupted closure is necessary to allow the contractors to work safely and complete the project on schedule, ensuring our facility meets modern safety standards.
Plan for Continued Public Service
During the closure, our priority is to maintain core services for our community, as much as possible. We will be executing a limited-service plan to minimize patron impact:
Limited Curbside Service: When safe to do so, Library Staff will work inside the building to retrieve, and process holds. We will offer curbside pick-up of requested materials from other library branches during Lakeport Library’s normal operating hours, starting as soon as the construction permits safe access for library staff.
Bookmobile Service: We will utilize the Bookmobile to provide service from the Lakeport Library parking lot (or a nearby alternate location) on its non-scheduled days, Fridays and Saturdays.
Digital Access: Free public Wi-Fi will remain accessible from the parking lot. Patrons are also encouraged to utilize the 24/7 online library at http://library.lakecountyca.gov.
Adult and Family Literacy Services: Literacy services will remain available by phone and through our other library branches.
Patron Guidance
Materials Access: Library patrons will be able to visit our other open branches in Clearlake, Upper Lake, Middletown and at the Bookmobile.
Returns and Due Dates: All due dates for items checked out from the Lakeport Library will be automatically extended. We advise patrons to hold onto their materials or use a book drop at another library location.
Unavailable Services: Events, public computers, and the ability to access and browse the physical Lakeport collection will be suspended until construction is complete.
Upon successful completion of the fire suppression installation, the Lakeport Library will reopen for full service.
If not budgeted, fill in the blanks below only:
Estimated Cost: ________ Amount Budgeted: ________ Additional Requested: ________ Future Annual Cost: ________
Purchasing Considerations (check all that apply): ☐ Not applicable
☐ Fully Article X. <https://library.municode.com/ca/lake_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH2AD_ARTXPU_S2-38EXCOBI>- and/or Consultant Selection Policy <http://lcnet.co.lake.ca.us/Assets/Intranet/Policy/Policies+$!26+Procedures+Manual/Ch4_2021v2.pdf>-Compliant (describe process undertaken in “Executive Summary”)
☐ Section 2-38 <https://library.municode.com/ca/lake_county/codes/code_of_ordinances?nodeId=COOR_CH2AD_ARTXPU_S2-38EXCOBI> Exemption from Competitive Bidding (rationale in “Executive Summary,” attach documentation, as needed)
☐ For Technology Purchases: Vetted and Supported by the Technology Governance Committee <http://lcnet.co.lake.ca.us/Assets/Intranet/Intranet+Forms/Information+Technology/AdvPlan.pdf> (“Yes,” if checked)
☐ Other (Please describe in Executive Summary)
Consistency with Vision 2028 <http://www.lakecountyca.gov/Government/Directory/Administration/Visioning/Vision2028.htm> (check all that apply): ☐ Not applicable
☐ Well-being of Residents ☐ Public Safety ☒ Disaster Prevention, Preparedness, Recovery
☐ Economic Development ☒ Infrastructure ☐ County Workforce
☐ Community Collaboration ☐ Business Process Efficiency ☐ Clear Lake
Recommended Action: Authorize closure of the County Library, Lakeport Branch for the month of December 2025, to reopen when construction is completed.