GREENFIELD — The Greenfield branch of Monterey County Free Libraries (MCFL) will close for at least one week beginning Sept. 8, as construction crews start work on a long-awaited roof replacement.
The project is scheduled to run through Oct. 31, with the potential for additional closures throughout the construction period.
“Greenfield branch is getting a new roof. We are very excited,” said Hillary Theyer, director of MCFL, during the Sept. 3 County of Monterey news briefing. “We never like doing what we call the ‘rain bucket dance,’ where you put buckets out in the middle of the library when it’s raining and put up enough caution tape and cones that nobody trips over it.”
The project will preserve the historic Spanish-tile roof that defines the library’s architecture. Tiles will be reused as repairs are being done underneath to stop leaks and protect the structure.
While the library will be closed Sept. 8-15, Theyer said the situation will be reassessed after the first week.
“We make no promises,” she said. “We may be completely closed for the entire project duration. We may be able to open for a limited amount of time. We may be able to provide curbside. It may be day-to-day.”
Services During Closure
With no book return available at the Greenfield branch during construction, patrons are asked not to approach the building at 315 El Camino Real.
“The book return at that library is a slot in the wall of the branch and it’s a construction site,” Theyer explained. “So we definitely don’t want people walking up to the building, where we’re tearing off the roof and trying to return books. So just don’t plan on returning your books. We do not charge overdue fines.”
Items may instead be returned at any bookmobile stop, other MCFL branches or even at libraries in Santa Cruz or Hollister. Wireless internet will remain available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily, accessible from nearby Hicks Park in Greenfield. Phones will be forwarded to the Soledad Library to ensure patrons receive assistance.
For holds, library staff can reroute materials to the bookmobile, another branch or Library By Mail. Patrons are encouraged to check the online calendar for upcoming bookmobile stops in Greenfield.
The one major service gap will be printing, scanning, copying and faxing.
“Print, scan and copy is the thing we don’t have a way to do other than the bookmobile or an alternate branch. We’re working on it,” Theyer said. “If we find a way, we absolutely will share that.”
Print, scan and copy services are available through the bookmobile stop at Hicks Park, or at any other branch of Monterey County Free Libraries.
Other Library Projects
Greenfield’s roof is one of several projects happening across the county library system.
Landscaping enhancements at the San Lucas Library and repairs at the Pajaro Library are underway, while the entry and porch at the Big Sur Library are being replaced. In addition, once the roof is complete, Greenfield will undergo parking lot repairs to improve accessibility and add electric vehicle spaces.
The Gonzales Library is preparing for a move into the new Dennis & Janice Caprara Community Center, with closure expected during Thanksgiving week in November. The Gonzales branch will reopen in its new location in early 2026.
Brand-new libraries are also being built in Bradley and East Garrison.
“We have lots of work going on in our libraries,” Theyer said. “Bookmobile stops, Library By Mail, reference via email, online materials — (these are) always available to you at all times. You don’t have to wait for your branch to close to have these accessible to you.”
For more information about library services during the closure, visit eMCFL.org or call 831-883-7555.
