Capitola Library Becomes First Energy-Neutral Public Building in City

The Capitola Library celebrated a major sustainability milestone Saturday with the completion of its solar and battery storage project, making it the first public building in the city to achieve energy neutrality.

The $500,000 project, long championed by the Friends of the Capitola Library, was funded largely through revenue from the group’s used bookstore at the Capitola Mall. Solar panels had been part of the library’s original construction plan but were deferred due to budget constraints. The County of Santa Cruz managed the project in coordination with local partners.

Community members attended the celebration at the library’s Ow Community Room, 2005 Wharf Road, which included hands-on activities for children sponsored by the Santa Cruz Museum of Discovery, introducing young attendees to renewable energy and sustainability concepts.

Local officials participating in the event included Capitola Mayor Margaux Morgan, City Council Member Melinda Orbach, County Supervisor Kim De Serpa, County Administrator Nicole Coburn, Capitola City Manager Jamie Goldstein, Library Director Christopher Platt, and City of Santa Cruz Sustainability Officer Tiffany Wise-West.

Toni Campbell, representing the Friends of the Capitola Library, praised the collaboration, noting that the project reflected years of volunteer dedication and community investment in environmental stewardship.

TOP PHOTO: Workers with Sandbar Solar install solar equipment at the library on Jan. 27