The City of Burbank is exploring the potential for a new Central Library to better serve our community with modern spaces, technology, and services that support education, connection, and economic opportunity.

In 2020–21, the City worked with the architecture firm MillerHull to study whether it would be more effective to renovate the existing library or construct a new one. The resulting report, “A Vision for a New Central Library for Burbank,” found that new construction would provide greater long-term value for the community.

The current Central Library, built in 1963, was designed for a very different era. It has limited natural light, inflexible spaces, and has not received major updates since 1992, meaning it no longer meets today’s standards for accessibility, safety, or modern technology use.

With Burbank’s libraries among the most highly used in the region, the Central Library’s limited capacity has also led to crowding at other library locations, especially Buena Vista Branch Library. A new Central Library has the potential to expand access, provide flexible, inclusive spaces, and strengthen Burbank’s role as a center for literacy, lifelong learning, and community gathering.

The project is still in the exploratory and planning stages. In 2025, the City hired MOCA Services to help assess community needs and develop a proposal for what a potential new Central Library and Public Plaza could include. This work will help the City define the project scope, including the library, possible office space for several City departments, and outdoor areas for community use before any future decisions are made by City Council.

The City has received a $9.95 million grant from the California State Library to support the development of a potential new Central Library and Public Plaza. These funds will help advance planning for features that prioritize sustainability. In addition to this grant, the City is exploring a range of potential funding options to support additional project costs.

The City is still exploring options for the existing Central Library building and property. No decisions have been made yet, but possibilities include repurposing or reusing the space as part of future planning efforts.

The project timeline has not yet been finalized. Once community engagement and planning are complete, and the project is approved by City Council, the City will determine and announce future milestones, including when construction could begin and when a new library might open.

The proposed Burbank Central Library and Public Plaza would serve as a vibrant hub connecting the lively retail and dining areas of downtown Burbank. It will create a welcoming, accessible space where neighbors can gather, socialize, and engage in learning together. The project offers green space, public amenities, and City services that strengthen connections between residents and support a sense of community. By providing a safe, inclusive, and inviting environment, the library and plaza aim to foster shared experiences, encourage collaboration, and bring our community together.

The City of Burbank invites you to share your thoughts and ideas through a series of Community Workshops and Pop-Up events. Check out our schedule to see upcoming opportunities to participate in person. You can also submit your feedback online or by emailing BurbankPublicLibrary@burbankca.gov.

Can’t make it in person? No problem! Information about upcoming virtual events will be posted soon. You can also sign up for our listserv to receive the latest news and updates about the New Central Library and Public Plaza project.

Community Workshop events will feature interactive boards and hands-on activities that introduce early concepts of the project plans. These workshops are also a chance for residents to share their ideas and provide feedback on what they would like to see in the new library and plaza. You can also sign up for our listserv to receive the latest news and updates about the New Central Library and Public Plaza project.

If you’d like to get involved, you can share ideas or ask questions to the project team here or by emailing BurbankPublicLibrary@burbankca.gov. Information about upcoming virtual events will be posted soon. You can also sign up for our listserv to receive the latest news and updates about the New Central Library and Public Plaza project.

Community feedback will help shape the vision for the future public plaza and library, including potential features, services, and amenities. Share your feedback by attending a Community Workshop or Pop-Up event, submit your feedback online or email BurbankPublicLibrary@burbankca.gov, or participate in a virtual community event. Check out our full schedule of upcoming community events and give your feedback directly to the project team.

Potential amenities for the new Central Library and Public Plaza may include meeting spaces, creative use areas, and more. The types of features that will be included will depend upon community feedback about what Burbank residents would most like to see at the new site. The City also plans to include a coffee shop or café onsite.

The City is still evaluating space and programming needs. Based on community input and assessments of current and future requirements, the project will likely include multiple floors with space dedicated to library services and other City departments.

The Public Plaza is envisioned as a vibrant gathering place for the Burbank community. While the City continues to gather input on its design, potential uses include hosting the Burbank Certified Farmers Market, festivals, holiday celebrations, concerts, and other community activities. The plaza will also provide a welcoming green space for residents, workers, and visitors in the downtown area.

Library services will continue as usual throughout the planning and construction of the new Central Library and Public Plaza.

The new Public Plaza will be located on the grounds of the current Civic Center Block.

The proposed plan calls for the demolition of the existing Administrative Services Building. Any City departments affected by this change would be integrated into the design and planning of the new Central Library.

The existing parking would be removed during construction and new parking included in the design of the updated New Central Library and Public Plaza space. Throughout construction, public parking is available at the nearby Orange Grove Parking Structure and Courthouse Parking Structure.

The City is exploring temporary downtown locations for the Burbank Certified Farmers Market while construction takes place. The Farmers Market will be fully incorporated into the design of the new Public Plaza.

Yes! The new Central Library will be designed with sustainability as a top priority. It is planned to achieve at least LEED Gold certification and will include high-efficiency systems such as solar panels, water recapture, and other energy- and resource-saving features. These design elements will help reduce environmental impact while creating a healthy, efficient, and resilient space for the Burbank community.