History

Chico Public Library, Inc. was started by the Women’s Study Club (now called the Chico Women’s Club) in 1975. Current best sellers were donated and collected to fill the library’s first shelves. The county commissioners issued the first of yearly checks for $250 to support their efforts. 

The Women’s Club purchased the Brown Hotel (built in 1888 and abandoned in 1960) and with much fundraising refurbished the hotel to become a public library and civic center. Mrs. Lavonia Hawkins, president of the club, opened the building for the library and the women had a note burning celebration in April of 1976. 

In 1990 when it was no longer possible to maintain the civic center the library moved to a mercantile storefront on the square. Mary Rexin, the (now retired) library director, and a volunteer committee moved book by book to the new building. In 1996 the owner of the building announced its sale and the library board collected enough in just six months through fund raising projects to purchase the building. Because of the generosity of citizens, business owners and industry in the area the library is able to remain on the square in the center of town. Prior to the sale the library incorporated and was granted non-profit status by both the state and federal governments.

Through the generosity of the Tocker Foundation the lighting in the library was upgraded, an ADA bathroom was built, books, shelving and carpeting were purchased, on-going remodeling was financed and the library moved into the computer age with two computers and software. Patrons were later provided with seven computers with Internet connections and ISDN for their use and computer classes for different levels were established. Two of the computers were funded by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. The other seven and a server were funded by a TIF grant.

In 2009 the library replaced its tired air conditioning system and in 2010 the Chico EDC assisted the library in the purchase of a new metal roof. Following goals set forth in the library’s Long Range Plan, a small salary was allotted for the Director and an additional part-time staff member was hired. Extended hours were put in place and a major reorganization of the library and its materials was undertaken. At this point many of the computers originally purchased with Gates and TIF funds had long outlived their usefulness and the board set forth to not only upgrade the current systems, but to add an additional four patron computers while providing two 5mg DSL internet connections, one of which allows free Wi-Fi access on the square. As of 2013, the library has eleven patron computers with internet access and office software, a stand-alone computer with educational software for children, and three staff computers. The internet and Wi-Fi currently provide 10mg connections.

A generous grant from the Tocker Foundation in 2012 allowed the purchase of new shelving, furniture, and circulation desk. This along with the donation of materials from Lowes Home Improvement, the City of Chico, and LO Transport, as well as funds provided through the endowment of the Lavonia Hawkins Estate, by individuals, and the support of many volunteers, allowed for much needed repairs including new flooring and the rebuilding of the storefront. The product of this renovation effort is a facility that stands out on the town square while providing an open, friendly and inviting atmosphere for community members to visit and enjoy.

The Libri Foundation, the Frank Dobie Foundation, Seawall Elam Foundation, a gift from Laura Bush from the Governor's Inauguration fund, and the Priddy Foundation have all provided funding to enhance both our print and audio book collections.

The library boasts a vast collection of library classics as well as the most current books, using a leasing system, and includes an impressive DVD collection, as well as audio books and music CDs.

Looking for a specific title? Contact your librarian.

Mission Statement

The mission of Chico Public Library, Inc. is to provide free and equal access to educational, informational, recreational, and cultural resources, and to promote the use of the library to every member of the community through a diverse collection of materials, media and programs for all ages. Continuing efforts are made to respond to changing needs of the community and to evolving technology.

Vision Statement

Chico Public Library, Inc. is committed to public literacy and social engagement through the provision of materials and services designed to address the cultural, educational, informational, technological, and recreational needs of the diverse communities it serves.