Merced County is poised to receive a major allocation of funding to be used toward the creation of a new Dos Palos library branch and rehabilitation of the Del Hale Hall Community Center.

The funding will be ceremonially allocated during a check presentation ceremony on November 30, 2022.

Through the state budget process, Senator Anna Caballero was able to secure a $3 million set aside to be used in the creation of a new Dos Palos branch of the Merced County Library in O’Banion Park. The upgraded library will be located next to the Del Hale Hall Community Center, which will also be renovated. The budget language allows for the funding to be used for both the library and community center projects. This funding is complimented by another $2.7 million Merced County secured through the California State Library’s highly-competitive “Building Forward Library Improvement Grant Program.”

Combined, the funding will be used to relocate the Dos Palos library branch from its current location at the corner of Golden Gate Avenue and Almond Street to its planned location at O’Banion Park, next to Del Hale Hall Community Center. Any remaining funding from the state budget allocation will be used to help renovate the Del Hale Hall Community Center.

The current Dos Palos library branch was built in 1963 and has major structural and accessibility issues. It is the only library within a 17-mile radius. The new 3,561 square-foot library is “shovel-ready,” and the County hopes to complete construction within two years. It will serve as a location for residents to apply for jobs and benefits, access literacy programs, and learn.

At 3 p.m. on Wednesday, November 30, 2022 Caballero and her staff will be on-site at O’Banion park to present a check to Merced County officials. The ceremony will take place near the corner of Center Avenue and Ione Street. Comments will be provided by both Caballero and Supervisor Scott Silveira, whose District 5 includes Dos Palos. Photo opportunities will be available during and after the ceremony, and both the news media and public is welcome to attend.

The renovation of the Del Hale Hall Community Center and replacement of the Dos Palos library branch is part of a larger project that also includes future renovations to O’Banion Park. Merced County is currently exploring options to fund the park renovations.

Dos Palos Library Check Presentation Ceremony:

Time: 3 p.m.

Date: Wednesday, November 30, 2022

Place: O’Banion Park, near Del Hale Hall Community Center (corner of Center Avenue and Ione Street)