Where will the new library be located?

Click to view the site map

The new Truckee Library will be located in Truckee River Regional Park, just west of the farmers market parking lot.

This location was chosen after a comprehensive review process led by a stakeholder group that evaluated multiple potential sites across Truckee. The group carefully considered factors such as accessibility, community impact, and long-term opportunity. After thorough analysis, the Regional Park site was identified as the best option because of:

• Its seamless integration with the park, encouraging shared use and connection between outdoor recreation and lifelong learning

• Its proximity to senior apartments and affordable housing, ensuring accessibility for residents of all ages and backgrounds

• Its central location and strong connection to existing community amenities

The property for the new library is being made available through a lease agreement at $1 per year for 100 years, thanks to a unique partnership between the Town of Truckee, Truckee Donner Public Utility District (TDPUD), and Truckee Donner Recreation and Park District (TDRPD).

Why does Truckee need a new library?

Truckee’s current library was built nearly 50 years ago for a town of just 2,000 people. Today, more than 20,000 residents and 15,000 library cardholders rely on the same outdated facility, which can only hold 54 people. It no longer meets the space, technology, or emergency infrastructure needs of a modern library and a community of our size. Read More

Why do we need a new library when people access books digitally?

While digital access is important, demand for physical books remains strong—especially for children. At the current Truckee Library, about 75% of checkouts are children’s books. Research shows that physical books are vital for early literacy, comprehension, and lifelong learning.

But libraries today are more than books—they’re community hubs for learning, connection, creativity, and resilience. The new Truckee Regional Library will include:

• Emergency resources: reliable power, HVAC, and internet during community crises

• Community meeting room: flexible 300-person space for events and gatherings

• Year-round programs: lectures, workshops, youth activities, and cultural events

• Expanded services: study rooms, senior and teen programs, technology access, and more

  Beyond books, the library remains one of the few places where anyone can access free internet, tutoring, and career help—no purchase required.

Can’t we just renovate or expand the current library?

Unfortunately, no. The current library is landlocked within the government center, surrounded by the Sheriff’s Office, jail, and courthouse, leaving no room to expand. Interior updates have improved the look and feel, but the building remains too small and outdated. A new facility is the only way to meet Truckee’s current and future needs.

What will the new Truckee Library offer?

The proposed 20,000-square-foot facility will include:

• Expanded youth and literacy spaces for kids, teens, and students

• A safe, accessible Emergency Resource Center for the community during wildfires, smoky days, power outages, and severe weather

• Services for adults, seniors, job seekers, and people with disabilities

• Vibrant indoor and outdoor areas for meetings, events, and community gatherings

  Read More

How much more space will there be in the children’s area?

Click to View the Children’s Space Rendering

Children’s services are at the heart of the new library design. Currently, 75% of all physical book checkouts at the Truckee Library are children’s books. Yet the current building has a maximum capacity of just 54 people—and regularly exceeds that during story hour.

The new library will change that dramatically:

• The children’s area will be four times larger than the current space

• Includes an outdoor reading and play area

• Features a flexible storytime and programming room with retractable walls to expand or contain sound

• Designed for comfort, creativity, and community

In a community survey of over 4,000 residents, Books were the top priority and Children’s Literacy & Programming ranked second. This expanded space directly reflects those community values and will finally give Truckee’s families the space they deserve.

Not many teens use the library now—why will they use the new teen space?

Click to view the teen space rendering

Right now, the “teen section” in the current library is just one table with four chairs, located in the noisy center of the building. Teens have shared that it’s too loud to study, lacks privacy for tutoring or virtual classes, and is difficult to access independently.

The new library design directly responds to that feedback. Through community surveys, stakeholder meetings, and the Library Advisory Task Force, local teens helped shape the vision for a space that truly meets their needs. They asked for:

• Comfortable, dedicated seating and flexible areas for group study

• Quiet rooms for tutoring, virtual classes, or creative work

• A place where they can talk, collaborate, and connect safely and freely

Importantly, the new library site is accessible from the Legacy Trail, making it easier for teens to walk, bike, or skateboard there safely and independently—an important part of creating a welcoming, youth-friendly destination.

When asked what would best support their health and wellness and help them avoid substance or alcohol use, teens consistently said they wanted a “free, safe, and sober third place—like a library.”

Because the new library has been designed with their input and for their needs, local teens are already expressing genuine excitement about having a space that belongs to them.

Why do we need an Emergency Resource Center?

Truckee currently lacks a permanent facility that meets the town’s critical emergency response needs. Local emergency providers have identified one of the biggest gaps as a space with permanent backup power, modern HVAC, ADA accessibility, and reliable communications systems.

While schools and other large buildings can serve as evacuation centers during major emergencies, those sites are designed for temporary housing and often displace students. The new Truckee Regional Library will serve as a dedicated Emergency Resource Center, providing residents with reliable power, clean air, internet access, and safe space for emergency support during community emergencies—without interfering with schools or other essential services. Read More

How much will it cost me?

Property owners will pay no more than 3 cents per square foot of building space. This rate cannot increase. The typical Truckee homeowner will pay about $54 per year (roughly $5 per month). Read More

Why can’t the money come from other taxes?

In most California counties, libraries rely on general funds and must compete yearly with priorities like public safety, roads, and health services. A dedicated, voter-approved bond guarantees stable library funding without affecting other essential services.

Why is the bond 30 years long?

The 30-year bond structure keeps annual costs affordable—similar to a home mortgage. Given that the library’s lifespan will exceed 50 years, this timeline responsibly matches the building’s useful life.

Are any exemptions available?

Yes. Low-income homeowners may apply for an exemption to ensure the measure does not burden those on fixed or limited incomes.

Will the measure include financial accountability?

Yes. The measure requires independent oversight, annual audits, and public reporting. All funds will stay local and can only be used for the Truckee Regional Library—none can be taken by the state or federal government. Read More

Who will manage the new library?

The Truckee Library Joint Powers Authority is responsible for constructing, owning and major maintenance and repair of the new library.  Nevada County will continue to provide the library services as it does now at the existing library. Read More

What’s the plan for long-term maintenance?

Day-to-day maintenance will be funded through the County’s regular library operations budget. For long-term needs—like major replacements—the Truckee Library Joint Powers Authority members will share long term maintenance costs.

Is this government overreach?

Not at all. In 2008, 17 years ago,  a Nevada County report recognized that the Truckee Library was too small and a larger facility was needed. As the larger Madelyn Helling main library is inaccessible to the East County, it is imperative that an appropriately-sized facility is available to this community. What sets this project apart is that the new Truckee Regional Library is a community-driven project, created through a public–private partnership that leverages funding from multiple sources. It reflects years of community input, volunteer efforts, and donor support. Far from overreach, it’s an example of local people working together to achieve a shared vision.

How is this project connected to the Friends of the Truckee Library?

The Friends of the Truckee Library is a key community partner that spearheaded the development of the plan for a new Truckee Regional Library and is helping to support this campaign within legal limitations. The Yes on a New Truckee Library campaign is an independent local grassroots campaign made up of community members supporting the library funding measure.

How can I learn more or get involved?

Stay informed, volunteer, endorse, or donate. Follow the campaign on Facebook and Instagram, and share information with friends and neighbors.