What draws people to libraries? Books, certainly. But there’s so much more: free wi-fi, safe and welcoming spaces to study, relax, or socialize. Add to that workshops, author talks, children’s storytime, and even online job search assistance. But how about a capybara, bell ringers, or lucha libre—the masked, theatrical professional wrestlers? At Vacaville’s newly remodeled Cultural Center Library, all those and more were on offer at Saturday’s grand reopening.
Hundreds of area residents, from toddlers to seniors, flocked to the dazzling, $24.5 million rejuvenated library at 1020 Ulatis Drive. The parking lot filled quickly as excitement built for a new chapter in the library’s 35-year history.
Following officials’ welcoming remarks and a 10 a.m. ribbon-cutting, guests streamed in, stopping for free cookies and hot cocoa—a sweet treat perfect for the chilly, gray-skied morning. Inside, it was immediately apparent that the library had grown. An additional 3,600 square feet now accommodates several new rooms, including a spacious multipurpose area with floor-to-ceiling windows, extra restrooms, and sleek new bookcases that make the collection glow.
A highlight for families, especially young children, was the expanded children’s reading area. With comfy seats, cubbyholes for cozy reading, and wooden tree sculptures that stretch toward the ceiling with twinkling lights, the space evokes a dreamy, out-in-nature feel.
Just past the entrance, patrons were greeted by musicians from the Live Music Center. The new check-out area bustled, especially with lines of children clutching their chosen books, eager to start reading.
At 11 a.m., Wildlife Ambassadors brought a capybara and an eight-foot python into the largest new room, thrilling and astonishing a crowd of 150 kids and adults. Reactions ranged from delighted giggles to awe-filled squeals.
By noon, music from The Fellowship of the Ringers filled the space with holiday favorites. Miss Kelley delighted children with face-painting and balloon-twisting, while local author Tony Wade discussed his book “Growing Up in Vacaville” with visitors. At 1 p.m., families gathered for storytime, followed by a thrilling, family-friendly lucha libre showdown rooted in Mexican culture at 2 p.m. The high-energy wrestling event brought the festivities to an exuberant close.
All these activities were made possible thanks to the Friends of the Vacaville Libraries, noted Suzanne Olawski, director of Solano County library services. In her 9:30 a.m. remarks, Olawski reflected on the library’s mission: to enrich communities by providing information, supporting lifelong learning, and fostering civic engagement.
Olawski, a Philadelphia native and University of Pittsburgh graduate, praised the construction firm, Gilbane Building Company, for their integrity and care in shepherding the project to completion. She also emphasized that “learning never stops when you finish school.” The remodel’s highlights include improved technology, “different zones” such as a quiet room, a single-service desk, more group study rooms, a dedicated Friends of the Library bookstore, an outdoor courtyard, and an outdoor program area for teens and children.
Vacaville Unified School District board president Nancy Dunn called the revamped library “an important hub” that aligns with the district’s mission: providing excellence and choices for lifelong learning. Quoting Albert Einstein, she added, “The only thing that you absolutely have to know is the location of the library.”
Gilbane’s senior project executive, Michael Coss, spoke about realizing just “how central a library is to the community.” He noted, “A library reflects a vision of what a community is.” Referencing historic figures like Jack London and Andrew Carnegie, he emphasized the library’s enduring role in self-education and community investment.
Architect Craig Hamilton of Cannon Design, whose mother was a librarian, agreed: libraries make a community “vital and strong.” On hand as well, Assemblywoman Lori D. Wilson recalled growing up poor but “feeling rich” in the library. She called libraries “the most cherished institutions in California,” capable of “closing the education gap.”
In an interview with The Reporter, Olawski, set to retire at the end of December after more than 30 years in library services, characterized the remodel as “an investment in the community.” Planning began in 2015 with surveys and community input. “This building never had a proper community room,” she said—now, the new space will host “a lot of programming.” Watching children enjoy the new amenities, she laughed, “I love hearing kids scream. This is my party.”
For supervising librarian Mike Perkins, the remodel means, “All the stuff we’ve wanted to do as a community, we can do now.” He emphasized the value of both Vacaville branches and the open invitation: “Whether you’re here for 10 minutes or the entire day. You are welcome here.”
Families were eager to make memories. Emily Torres of Vacaville and her children, Lucas (11) and Makayla (7), who’ve enjoyed storytime since they were little, waited in line for the Wildlife Ambassadors. Jim Salguera’s sons, Max (9) and Roman (8), clutched books on penguins, paper airplanes, and their favorite graphic novels.
“They love reading,” Salguera said, smiling—a sentiment shared by so many at the grand reopening, ready to start a new chapter at the heart of their community.
https://www.thereporter.com/2025/12/13/hundreds-dazzled-by-remodeled-cultural-center-library/
