Who Really Benefits from El Cerrito’s $75 Million Library Plan?

El Cerrito already owns the land where our current library sits.

Let that sink in.

Under the City’s proposed $75 million library tax plan, we would give up ownership of that land and become renters—yes, renters—for a lease vs property we already own. And not only would we lose ownership, we’d still be responsible for the building’s maintenance—even though it wouldn’t belong to us. We would willingly move from an asset to a long term liability. Let that sink in.

Furthermore, El Cerrito doesn’t operate a library. Our library, like every other branch in the system, is operated and funded by the Contra Costa County Library System. But under this proposal, El Cerrito would become the only city in the County system with two library systems operating within the same space—creating confusion, redundancy, and unnecessary costs.

So who actually benefits from this?

The truth is, most of the money from this proposal wouldn’t even go toward the library. Instead, it would be used to fund a significantly larger City Hall. That means more employees, more spending, and larger pension liabilities reduced services for years to come—all bundled into a “library” tax.

There’s a Smarter, More Accountable Alternative

We could build a modern, architecturally beautiful 12,000 square foot library on the same site where the current library stands.

It’s not just possible—it’s practical.

According to a concerned citizen who consulted one of the Bay Area’s leading contractors specializing in library construction, a high-quality new library could be built on the current site for around $1,000 per square foot—and possibly less. It would be far simpler and more cost-effective than constructing a six-story, 69-unit apartment building on a new site with far more infrastructure needs.

Accessibility and Parking Matter

The existing library offers easy, convenient parking. And with Fairmont Elementary out of session for nearly half the year, there’s even more space for residents.

In contrast, the new proposed site is in a congested area poised to absorb 760 new housing units—with no added parking. That makes it less convenient for families, seniors, and anyone who values easy access. As a result, many residents will likely turn to more accessible alternatives like the Kensington Library.

This Isn’t About the Library—It’s About Power and Control

This is the most egregious display of municipal self-dealing in recent Bay Area history. It shifts us from owners to renters, piles long-term debt onto taxpayers, and diverts funds to projects that expand city bureaucracy—not library services.

El Cerrito doesn’t need this proposal to have a great library.

We already have the land.

We already have the County Library system as a committed operating partner.

We already have a better, faster, and more cost-effective path forward.

This blog was informed by a concerned citizen who asked tough questions, did the homework, and consulted experts. It’s up to us to do the same—and to say no to a plan that enriches City Hall at the expense of El Cerrito residents.