🏗️ Library Construction and Closure Update: The Final Countdown

The period of uncertainty is finally drawing to a close. While we have navigated many delays over the past year, we now have a firm schedule for the long-awaited replacement of our library’s roof and HVAC system, alongside the resumption of the parking lot expansion project.

The Headline News: The Scripps Miramar Ranch Library will close its doors to the public beginning Monday, May 11, 2025. The construction period is expected to last approximately eight months, with a projected reopening in the winter, provided no unforeseen complications arise.

SAVE THE DATE: The final day to visit the library before construction begins is Saturday, May 9.

📦 Handling Your Library Business

A closure of this scale requires some adjustment to our usual routines. Please take note of the following logistical changes:

Books & Returns

• Book Drops: All book drops and returns at the Scripps Ranch Library will be closed and locked for the duration of the renovation.
• Where to Return: Please use the book return facilities at the Mira Mesa Library or any other branch within the San Diego Public Library (SDPL) system. (Reminder: The Poway Library is not part of the SDPL system and cannot accept our returns.)

Holds & Pick-ups

• Deadline: The last day to pick up existing holds at Scripps Ranch is Saturday, May 2.
• Automatic Diversion: After May 2, all holds will automatically be routed to the Mira Mesa Library.
• Your Choice: If you prefer to pick up your holds at a different branch (other than Mira Mesa), please access your online library account prior to May 2 to update your preferred location.

Staff & Services

• Our dedicated Scripps Ranch staff will be reassigned to other branches during the closure.
• No phone service: There will be no staff on-site to answer telephones or greet visitors.

🌿 Staying Connected

The library may be closed, but the "Friends" community remains active!

• Mira Mesa: Our Home Away From Home: A selection of SRFOL activities, including our Book Discussion Group meetings, will relocate to the Mira Mesa Library. You can find location details and hours here.
• The Seed Library: After Saturday, May 9, the Seed Library, which is sponsored by SRFOL and was founded in collaboration with Sustainable Scripps Ranch, will be relocated for the duration of the construction related library closure.  Interested gardeners are invited to visit https://www.srfol.org/seed-library.htm for details and can email seedlibrary@srfol.org to request seeds. 
• Updates: Visit our website at www.srfol.org for the latest information about the library.

🗞️ A Note on Future Newsletters

To reflect the reduced activity during the construction period, the FOLIO newsletter will transition to a bi-monthly schedule (every other month) until we prepare for our grand reopening.

We thank you for your continued patience and support as we invest in the future of our Library. 

📚 Grace’s Book Nook: Last Chance Sales & Pre-Closure Sale

Make sure to visit Grace’s Book Nook, our volunteer-run used bookstore, before we close! Open Tuesday–Saturday during regular library hours, the Book Nook stocks nearly new books, magazines, DVDs, CDs, greeting cards, and more at amazing prices—all supporting our library.

Special Pre-Closure Sale: Saturday, May 2 (10:00 am – 2:00 pm)

Mark your calendars for this "last chance" event! We are expanding our inventory and sales space for a massive pre-closure blowout.

• Yellow Bag Special: Bring your previously received Yellow Bag and fill it for just $10.
• Limited Supply: A small number of Yellow Bags may be available for customers to use at the sale while supplies last (Please bring your Yellow Bag, if you already have it). 
• Continuing Discount: As a "thank you" to our loyal customers, you can continue to fill your Yellow Bag in the Book Nook for only $10 from May 2nd right up through our final day of operation.



A Note on Donations

We kindly ask that you hold off on donating gently used books until our library reopens. If you cannot wait, please visit www.srfol.org for information on alternate donation options that support the San Diego Public Library system. (Pictured below are Book Nook volunteers: Marcia Gwin, Beth Surrell , and Marion Leloup)

As we wind down before the closure date, the following final storytimes are scheduled:



• Pajama Storytime: Tuesday, May 5, 6:45–7:15 pm.
• Morning Storytime: Wednesday, May 6, 10:00–10:30 am.

JoAnn Sloan, who serves as the Social Manager on the Friends Board, put together an amazing luncheon to thank the many volunteers who help make our library such a wonderful place for our community. We sincerely hope to see many of these dedicated volunteers return when the library reopens!

We also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to the Scripps Ranch Library staff for their hard work and dedication. While they are being reassigned during the construction, we look forward to their return to the Scripps Ranch Library when we reopen our doors.

This month the group is reading An Unfinished Love Story by Doris Kearns Goodwin. Join the discussion Thursday, May 28, 12:30–2:00 pm, at the Mira Mesa Library, where meetings will be held during the time that the Scripps Ranch Library is closed.

Next month’s selection is A Tale for the Time Being by Ruth Ozeki. Copies will be available at the Mira Mesa Library.

⚠️ Take Action: Budget Cuts Threaten Our Libraries

The cuts in the Mayor's proposed budget are severe, totaling about $4 million from a library budget that was already underfunded. We need to make sure these cuts don't happen!

The Proposed Cuts Include:

• $2.4 million in further reduced library hours (specifics not yet determined).
• $1 million wiping out the Matching Fund program.
• $1.7 million in savings from Ocean Beach and Rancho Peñasquitos closing for the year for planned renovations (while these renovations are good, the loss of staff funding is concerning).
• Reduction in security expenses due to reduced hours.
• Loss of 11.5 full-time equivalent (FTE) positions and 1 Program Manager position (currently vacant).
• Complete erasure of the Office of Youth and Family Services.

Why This Matters: If we lose the Match, branches won't see a 1.5x return on donations. Currently our Scripps Ranch Library receives $150 through the Matching Funds program for every $100 donated.  And, an additional $50 of Match goes to support the entire library system, including an extra portion to our library. Elimination of Matching Funds, which encourage philanthropy, is a false economy for the City and a huge loss for our libraries. All branches are currently closed on Sundays, and over half lack Monday hours. Further reductions are unacceptable. There are also severe cuts proposed for Parks and Recreation and Arts funding, all essential to San Diego's quality of life.

How You Can Help:

1. Sign Up: Join the Library Foundation SD Take Action list for alerts and talking points.
2. Attend Hearings: Join us at upcoming Council budget hearings:

• Monday, May 4 at 6:00 pm (Public Comment)
• Tuesday, May 5 at 2:00 pm (Library Budget Hearing)
• Monday, May 18 at 6:00 pm (Public Comment)

1. Participate Remotely: If you can't attend in person, join via Zoom to provide comments.
2. Speak Up: Make a written statement or contact your Council members and their representatives directly. View contact list here.
3. Spread the Word: Tell your friends and neighbors!