Measure H, a $30 million bond measure in the City of Martinez to improve a number of community facilities, was passed by 68% of the voters in November 2008. Library staff have been working with staff from the City of Martinez, the Friends of the Martinez Library, the Martinez Parks, Recreation, Marina and Cultural Commission, and the City Council as well as architects and consultants and members of the public to plan the improvements to the Martinez Library. Major improvements include a program area and renovated staff area on the lower level, installation of an elevator and other accessibility improvements, new accessible restrooms, and renovations to the public spaces on the main level to accomodate the latest library technology.  
  
In order to complete the project, the Library will need to close for approximately 6 months. Although the schedule could change as the project moves through design development and construction documents, the current timeline anticipates that the library will be closed from August 2010 to December 2010.  
  
During the closure, Martinez Library staff will be deployed to cover vacant positions at other community libraries, resulting in a salary savings of approximately $174,000. The operational savings will be spent to benefit library service in Martinez in a way agreed to by the County Librarian and the City of Martinez. Possibilities include funding additional open hours once the library reopens, enhancing the collection or purchasing furniture or equipment for the Martinez Library.   
  
In the past, operational savings resulting from closed libraries have been used to benefit library service in that community, most recently in Walnut Creek.