A crew from Rick Slater Construction is on site Monday as a new Aptos Branch of the Santa Cruz Public Libraries is beginning to rise on the same site as the old branch. The new 12,400-square-foot branch replaces the 8,800-square-foot library that opened in 1975. The project is expected to cost $14 million and is funded by Measure S and community donors. Plans for the new building include access to traditional books and online resources for all ages, study rooms, a gallery, a children’s garden, an outdoor reading area, and historic art and features in partnership with the Aptos History Museum. Measure S was a $67 million bond measure passed by voters in 2016 with 70% approval, according to the Santa Cruz Public Libraries website. (Shmuel Thaler – Santa Cruz Sentinel)
