By the end of the 1970's, the library had grown beyond expectations, the combined result of increased population and contract agreements which opened the Library for use by residents of the entire Monterey County. Increased usage of services coupled with the introduction of new material formats, a need to improve access for the disabled, and the advent of computer technology necessitated both an upgrade and an expansion of the building. The charge to the architect was a challenging one, as he was confronted with an expanding a structure situated on a site with extremely limited size and unconventional shape, with a stringent requirement that the integrity of an architecturally significant building be maintained. The design was undertaken by Paul E. Davis of Davis, Jacoubowsky, Hawkins Associates of Monterey whose efforts were highly successful in meeting these difficult criteria.
In 1983, construction began on the expansion project, which added 7,500 square
feet to the Library and remodeled another 3,500 square feet. A full 16-foot bay was added to the south end of the building, the rear patio was partially enclosed, and the
mezzanine was doubled in length. A climate-controlled room was created for collections of rare books and historical resources, a public elevator was installed, and
staff work space was nearly doubled. Other improvements included the addition of a protective fire sprinkler system, replacement of the cedar shingle roof, and the addition
of handicapped accessible restrooms and entrances.
At the time of of the $1.5 million project, the interior was redesigned under the direction of Linda Lamb, who assisted staff with selection and arrangement of carpets, upholstery, and furnishings. Key to the interior design scheme was to highlight the Library's fine art collection featuring works by distinguished California painters including Francis McComas, Gene Frances Baker McComas, Abel Warshawsky, Ferdinand Burgdorff, Tulita Westfall Bennet, Henrietta Shore, Richard Lofton and Helen Gapen Oehler.
While the Library planned for its grand re-opening in July 1984, another project was in the making. For several years, the cost of operating the Bookmobile had come under scrutiny during each annual budget cycle. In 1982, citing the prospect of someday having to replace the 26 year old vehicle and a preference for reallocating the staff to the main library, it was decided to suspend the service. The decision, however, met with strong public opposition similar in size and intensity to the 1953 debate over the New Monterey Branch Library closure. The City Council resolved the matter in 1985 by approving the expenditure of $92,000 for the purchase of a new Bookmobile, and in July 1986, after a four year hiatus, the Monterey Public Library Bookmobile was back on the road.
In 1992 the Library began charging borrowing fees to non-City of Monterey residents after the county library eliminated their reimbursement to city
libraries for county resident use. Non-resident fees reduced library use and generated much negative publicity for the
Library. Fourteen years later, in July 2006, the Library Board voted to stop charging these fees, and library cards became free to all
California residents.
In 2001 the City of Monterey faced an economic downturn. During the next four years the library's budget was cut by 15%; 11 positions were eliminated library wide, hours were reduced and the materials budget was decreased by 35%. Due to public, Board, Friends and Council support, however, the Library's seven-day-a-week open schedule and unique community services such as the Bookmobile, Stories for Adults, California History Room and youth programs were maintained.
In many ways, the Monterey Public Library of the 21st century has a close connection with the past. Every day hundreds of library customers of all ages are welcomed by helpful librarians and staff, browse the shelves, select books and other library materials, ask for reference assistance, reading recommendations and enjoy library programs with family and friends.
The Library continues to be a well-used community resource.
In fiscal year that ended in June 2008, 464,017 books, CDs,
DVDs, magazines and other items were checked out at the
Library - a 9% increase over the previous year; and
383,591adults, teens, children and babies visited the
Library and Bookmobile - an 8% increase over the previous
year. In addition, 39,104 reference questions were
answered at all service points, and 8,872 children, teens
and adults attended Library programs. There is every
indication that demand for Library services is on the rise.
During the period between December 2007 - January 2008 there
has been a 29% increase in the number of library visits, and
check-outs have increased by 24%.
