Jonathon Le, 8, uses a computer in the Innovation Lab on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Newhope Library in Santa Ana, Calif. The computers in the Innovation Lab are loaded with select Adobe applications. (Photo by Claire Nguyen, Contributing Photographer)
Yareli Ceballos, 8, (left) reads the back of a book to her sister Naomi Ceballos, 6 on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Newhope Library in Santa Ana, Calif. The library features books for all ages in English, Spanish and Vietnamese. (Photo by Claire Nguyen, Contributing Photographer)
Jane Nguyen (middle) laughs while her son, Sam, gets a balloon on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Newhope Library in Santa Ana, Calif. The balloon was modeled after Eevee, a Pokémon character. (Photo by Claire Nguyen, Contributing Photographer)
Genesis Martinez (left) reads a book with her sister, Mikayla Martinez, 6, on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Newhope Library in Santa Ana, Calif. The renovations of the library include a complete makeover of the patio, with new seating and shade coverings. (Photo by Claire Nguyen, Contributing Photographer)
Lion dancers go through aisles of the library on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Newhope Library in Santa Ana, Calif. The dancers brought good luck to the library by weaving through the aisles. (Photo by Claire Nguyen, Contributing Photographer)
The newly-renovated Newhope Library features computers for anyone to use on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Newhope Library in Santa Ana, Calif. Chromebooks are also available to check out and take home. (Photo by Claire Nguyen, Contributing Photographer)
Santa Ana City Council members cut the ribbon to celebrate the reopening of Newhope Library on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Newhope Library in Santa Ana, Calif. The entrance of the library was renovated to replace the façade with glass. (Photo by Claire Nguyen, Contributing Photographer)
Santa Ana City Council members celebrate after cutting the ribbon on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Newhope Library in Santa Ana, Calif. The library has been closed since July 2025 to undergo renovations. (Photo by Claire Nguyen, Contributing Photographer)
Santa Ana Ward 1 council member Thai Viet Phan speaks before the library opening on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Newhope Library in Santa Ana, Calif. “Today we get to celebrate,” Phan said. “It’s a safe place for anyone, no matter your background, your history or education, to come and learn, and to come to be safe,” Phan said. (Photo by Claire Nguyen, Contributing Photographer)
California State Librarian Greg Lucas speaks before celebrating the reopening of Newhope Library on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Newhope Library in Santa Ana, Calif. ”One of the great joys of my job is to come and see the money that we put out in grants turn into amazing projects like Newhope Library,” Lucas said. (Photo by Claire Nguyen, Contributing Photographer)
Lion dancers perform outside the library on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Newhope Library in Santa Ana, Calif. The performance was by Qing Wei Lion & Dragon Cultural Troupe. (Photo by Claire Nguyen, Contributing Photographer)
The newly-renovated Newhope Library features an Innovation Lab for hands-on learning on Saturday, July 11, 2026, at Newhope Library in Santa Ana, Calif. The Innovation Lab includes 3D printers, audio equipment, computers, Circut cutters and much more. (Photo by Claire Nguyen, Contributing Photographer)
Library Associate Abner Rios makes a beat on the new audio equipment on Saturday, July 11, 2026 at Newhope Library in Santa Ana, Calif. The audio equipment is accessible to anyone, though children under 13 need to be accompanied by a guardian. (Photo by Claire Nguyen, Contributing Photographer)
Santa Ana reopened its Newhope Library branch with a celebration on Saturday, following a year-long closure for renovations.
Read more No relief from the heat as many US cities will see record overnight temperatures
Located on the city’s west side in the Riverview West neighborhood, the Newhope Library serves about 125,000 residents. Upgrades include a colorful building exterior and glass storefront entrance, a new innovation lab for hands-on STEM learning for all ages, new seating and a shaded structure on the library’s outdoor patio, and additional reading and study spaces — along with extended service hours.
The facility improvements, which began in July 2025, are part of a $46 million citywide investment into Santa Ana’s public libraries. Other major upgrades include a comprehensive restoration of the city’s Main Library, which is still ongoing, as well as the launch of two new locations last year: the Delhi Center Library and an outdoor library at Jerome Park.
Read more EU rallies $1 billion in pledges for Gaza’s recovery
Built in the 1960s, Santa Ana’s Main Library is within walking distance of the city’s downtown and civic center. It has been closed since renovations began in 2024, with expectations it will be completed this fall.
The project aims to preserve the building’s historical midcentury allure by adhering to the original layout and design, including a complete restoration of its Italian marble exterior, but with modern amenity upgrades to mechanical, plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems, and a new interactive children’s learning area.
Read more Woman, 79, dies after car falls down embankment in Laguna Beach, lands on roof