In an update about Mesa County Libraries from Executive Director Michelle Boisvenue-Fox, she said the Central Library is holding off developing the vacant lot next to the library.

She said the library received community input and conducted surveys and determined: “Construction costs have climbed and pushed the cost beyond what our budget can currently handle.”

In other updates, Boisvenue-Fox shared:

• The Orchard Mesa Branch Library worked with the landlord to extend the branch’s lease through November 2031. She added, “We’re planning to make some changes to the library layout to improve the flow of activity and program offerings.”
• Fruita has outgrown the Fruita Branch Library location over the past 15 years, and the branch will remain open while Mesa County Libraries looks for alternative locations in the coming years.
• Mesa County Libraries’ 2026 community survey is open until Aug. 31 to gather input on these and other library services.