The Fair Oaks Branch Library, located at 2370 E. Main Street in Stockton, will close its doors at the end of the business day, Wednesday June 30 at 7:00 p.m. Due to the City of Stockton’s ever-climbing budget deficit, the Fair Oaks Branch Library must close to reduce the Library’s operating budget.

Library administrators and City officials reviewed several options, trying to retain the same number of branches in the system, by reducing hours and/or days of operation to meet the new fiscal years budget goals. However, after much research, it is clear that it is necessary to close the branch as well as to reduce hours and days of operation in the other city branches.

“The severe reduction in the Library’s operating budget has left us no other choice but to close one branch in the Library system,” said City Librarian Chris Freeman. He continues, “The silver lining is that originally two branches were slated for closure, but due to community input and the changes to the days and hours of operation at the other four remaining city libraries, we were able to save the Troke Branch Library from closing its doors, too.”

Decisions are still being made as to the future of the books and other materials now housed at the Fair Oaks Branch. Over the past month, the Library staff at Fair Oaks have been reviewing the collection and making some books available to the public via a booksale event, “$2 Bucks a Bag – ReDUCE, ReUSE, ReREAD!” That sale will continue, and the public is encouraged to visit Fair Oaks Branch during regularly scheduled library hours through June 30 to see what treasures they can find!

“All you have to do is bring in a grocery-sized bag, paper or plastic, and browse the selection of books available for the promotion. Stuff as many books as you can fit or carry and pay only $2!, “ said Freeman.

As an effort to continue serving residents in the South Stockton area, Community Services Director Pamela Sloan is discussing with her recreation and library administrators the possibility of opening a self-service library facility within the Stribley Community Center. While this would certainly not replace a full-service library, it would still provide members of the community access to free materials and resources to entertain and educate the public.

As of July 1, 2010, all materials checked out from Fair Oaks Branch Library must be returned to any of the remaining 12 branches of the Stockton-San Joaquin County Public Library.

History of Fair Oaks Branch Library

March 7, 1913
The Fair Oaks Branch began operation as a depository in San Joaquin County. The area became part of the City of Stockton in 1915.

September 1917
Fair Oaks Branch moved to quarters in the Fair Oaks School.

February 24, 1948
Fair Oaks Branch moved to its own building at 2125 East Main Street.

June 30, 1982
Groundbreaking for the new Fair Oaks Branch building took place.

October 30, 1982
Cornerstone ceremonies were held at the new Fair Oaks Branch building.

May 1, 1983
Dedication of the Fair Oaks Branch building at 2370 East Main Street.

June 30, 2010
Ninety-seven years from initially beginning operation as a depository, the Fair Oaks Branch will close its doors to the public.

The Stockton San Joaquin County Public Library, a division of the Community Services Department, serves residents throughout six cities and the unincorporated areas of San Joaquin County. For more information, call toll free (866) 805-7323 or (209) 937-8221. Visit us online at www.stockton.lib.ca.us and follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/ssjcpl) and Twitter (www.twitter.com/ssjcpl).