Burbank Central Library and Public Plaza Project
The City of Burbank is planning for a prospective
new Burbank Central Library and Public Plaza,
and we need the community’s input.
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New Burbank Central Library Public Art Committee
CALL FOR APPLICANTS
The City of Burbank is seeking community members interested in helping shape the public art vision for the future Burbank Central Library and Public Plaza.
Committee members will work with the project’s architectural firm and City staff to help determine appropriate types and locations of public art, recommend a tiered approach to public art budgeting, assist with developing the Call for Art and eligibility requirements, and review and score eligible artist applications.
Committee members are expected to serve for approximately 28 months. The Committee is anticipated to begin meeting in January 2027. Construction is anticipated to begin in Summer 2027, with the Call for Art anticipated in Fall 2028 and the new Library anticipated to open in Spring 2029.
Public art opportunities are expected to include a variety of disciplines, including photography, printmaking, painting, fiber art, ceramics, murals, mosaics, sculpture, assemblage, kid-friendly play sculptures, and digital art.
Applications accepted
October 14 - November 18
About the Project
The City of Burbank is exploring plans for a proposed new Central Library and Public Plaza that would modernize public services and create a vibrant civic space for the community. The project would replace the current Central Library building, originally built in 1963, with a new facility designed to meet the needs of today’s residents while remaining flexible for the future.
A future Burbank Central Library and Public Plaza is envisioned as a transformative opportunity to support community needs while strengthening downtown Burbank as a thriving civic destination. The project would bring together several key elements on one site, including a new library, city office space, a public plaza and open space, and a parking structure designed to support visitors to the area.
Preliminary concepts explore a roughly 97,500-square-foot building that could house the library and city offices, along with a parking structure with approximately 310 spaces and about 43,000 square feet of outdoor public space designed for gatherings, events, and everyday community use. The new library would provide modern spaces that support education, workforce development, technology access, cultural programming, and opportunities for collaboration and learning.
Planning concepts also focus on improving the pedestrian experience around the site. Early design ideas explore walkable connections between nearby civic buildings, landscaped open areas, and a welcoming public plaza where residents can gather, attend events, or simply spend time downtown.
The project would also replace the Administrative Services Building offices in downtown Burbank, creating a more cohesive civic center that better serves residents while improving accessibility to city services.
The City of Burbank has been awarded a $9.95 million grant from the California State Library to support the development of a new, modern Central Library. These funds will help support building features that promote sustainability, accessibility, and resilience.
While the original 2022 Housing Element of the Burbank 2035 General Plan explored the possibility of housing on the same block as the future library, housing is no longer being considered as part of this project. The block would contain only the existing Community Services Building and the proposed Central Library and Public Plaza, creating a focused civic space dedicated to learning, connection, and community use.
Community outreach for the project began in October 2025 and continues into 2026. Community input will play an important role in guiding future decisions as the project moves forward. Residents are encouraged to stay engaged and share their ideas to help ensure that the future Central Library and Public Plaza reflects the needs and aspirations of the Burbank community for generations to come.
For the latest project updates and information about upcoming community engagement opportunities, see the recent City Council Study Session, presented on March 10, 2026. Presentation slides from the Study Session are available here.
You can explore this website to learn more details about the proposed New Burbank Central Library & Public Plaza Project.