The City of Sacramento will renovate the Martin Luther King, Jr. Library to meet our community’s future needs. Construction will begin in 2025 and will be completed in 2026.
During the closure, we will offer additional ways to access library services. Starting January 7, 2025, the library's Mobile Services team will visit the Sam & Bonnie Pannell Center parking lot on Tuesdays from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and Thursdays from 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. The team will also visit the Colonial Heights Library parking lot on Tuesdays from 1:30-3:30 p.m. and on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to Noon. The library will offer programs at community locations including Baby Explore and Learn at 10 a.m. and Explore and Learn at 10:30 a.m. every Thursday at the Sam & Bonnie Pannell Center, and Explore and Learn at 9:30 a.m. every Friday at the George Sim Community Center.
Originally built in 1970, the 15,100-square-foot library is a vital community resource for learning, technology, and gathering. Martin Luther King, Jr. Library has never received a full renovation in its 54-year history. The branch has benefited from minor interior work, new furniture, and a music studio, however, much of the interior remains untouched.
In 2022, the City of Sacramento was awarded a $5.6 million grant from the California State Library to support renovation, replacement of outdated building systems, and accessibility upgrades.
Timeline
The Martin Luther King, Jr. Library will be closed starting December 29, 2024, to prepare the site for construction. Renovations will begin in February 2025 and the library will reopen in 2026.
Design
The library's new design enhances the children and teen spaces, expands the community room, and provides space for quiet study, collaboration, and creativity. The project includes seismic upgrades, a new HVAC system, and updated restrooms. The branch will also have an Automated Materials Handling System (AMHS), which allows staff to process items faster and more efficiently.
Based on the community’s feedback, the guiding design principles are to:
- Reflect and celebrate the community
- Create a safe, welcoming, and accessible environment
- Focus on kids and teens
- Include play space for families
- Be adaptable and flexible for changing needs
- Improve wayfinding and sightlines
- Provide access to resources, technology, gaming, and computers
- Include meeting spaces in a variety of sizes
- Highlight the African American collection and resources
- Design a space that is modern, durable, and easy to maintain
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Community Engagement
In 2023 and 2024, the City of Sacramento engaged the community through surveys, community events, public meetings, and pop-ups.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are some of the issues for the library?
Originally built in 1970, the Martin Luther King, Jr. Library has never received a full renovation in its 54-year history. The building needs a seismic upgrade, a new HVAC system, and restroom improvements. Aside from some minor interior work, new furniture, and a music studio through a PRYDE grant much of the interior remains untouched.
What will happen to the public art at the library?
A five-foot black granite sculpture entitled “Africa Emerging” by Meade B. Kibbey, installed at the building entrance in 1974, will remain onsite.
Will the branch close during construction?
Yes, the branch will be closed during renovations. The Library is committed to providing service to the community. During the closure, we will explore additional ways to provide library services including hosting programs at alternative locations and bookmobile stops in the neighborhood.
Will the book drop be available during the closure?
No. The book drop will be closed during construction. You can return materials at any of our
library locations during the closure.
Are there other libraries I can visit?
Yes! While we are closed, please visit any of our branches across the region. Find a location near you at
www.saclibrary.org/locations.
What will happen to Martin Luther King, Jr. staff?
Our team at the Martin Luther King, Jr. will be reassigned to other Sacramento Public Library locations during the closure.
Where can I find the bookmobile?
You can find our bookmobile at apartment complexes, senior communities, and community events throughout the region. You can find us at:
- Sam & Bonnie Pannell Center parking lot on Tuesdays from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and Thursdays from 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m. starting in January 7, 2025.
- Colonial Heights Library parking lot on Tuesdays from 1:30-3:30 p.m. and on Thursdays from 10 a.m. to Noon. starting in January 7, 2025.
- View our schedule
Where can I find library programs and events?
Browse our calendar to find events for adults, teens, and kids. We also offer programs at these community centers:
- Sam & Bonnie Pannell Center: Baby Explore and Learn at 10 a.m. every Thursday and Explore and Learn at 10:30 a.m. every Thursday
- George Sim Community Center: Explore and Learn every Friday at 9:30 a.m.
Where can I access free public Wi-Fi?
Access free public Wi-Fi at community parks from sunrise to sunset.
- Coloma Park - 4263 T Street
- C.K. McClatchy Park - 3500 5th Avenue
- Tahoe Park - 3501 59th Street
- George Sim Park - 6207 Logan Street
To connect to public Wi-Fi:
- Open your device’s settings and select “Wi-Fi.”
- Select CITY-PARK-FREE-WIFI from the list of available networks.
- On the Wi-Fi splash page, click to accept the Terms & Conditions.
Where can I get free computer access?
The following community organizations offer free computer services:
ARI Job Center
2411 Alhambra Blvd., Suite 110
Registration: (916) 324-6202
- Monday to Friday: 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
- Free computer and internet access
- Serves teens and youth
Job Center at Lemon Hill with Sacramento Works
5451 Lemon Hill Ave.
Appointments: (916) 433-2600
- Monday to Thursday: 8:30 a.m.
- Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 11 a.m.
- Free computer and job application help
- Serves teens and adults
- Languages: English, Russian, Spanish, Thai, Vietnamese.
Sacramento Works Career Center at La Familia Counseling Center
5523 34th Street
(916) 452-3601
- Free computer lab
- Online job application help
- Serves adults
- Languages: English and Spanish
Library History
During the mid-1960s, the growing communities in the southern part of Sacramento County needed a large library for reference and resource services. At the time, only smaller locations served the area: Southgate Library, Belle Cooledge Library, and bookmobile. The City of Sacramento acquired the property on the southwest corner of the 24th Street Bypass for a new regional library. At 15,000 square feet, the library would be 3 times larger than most locations. The branch was designed to provide students with more reference and research materials than the other locations.
On the evening of April 4, 1968, Sacramento City Council voted to name the location the Martin Luther King, Jr. Library just hours after Dr. King was assassinated. The library opened to the public on May 18, 1970 and is said to be the first structure named after the civil rights leader. The building featured a wood sculpture called “The Offering” by artist Georgianna Else dedicated to the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
A black granite sculpture entitled “Africa Emerging” by Mead B. Kibbey was installed at the building entrance in 1974. The sculpture standing nearly five feet tall and weighing approximately 5,000 pounds was designed to express African endurance and the ability to overcome oppression. It portrays a clenched fist and forearm emerging from a broken shackle.