Historic Yreka Library Becomes $3.65M Rural Innovation Hub

A century-old library that sat empty in rural Northern California just got a second life as a launchpad for local entrepreneurs and job seekers.

The Yreka Carnegie building reopened this week as a business innovation hub serving Siskiyou County and California's North State region. The transformation was made possible through $3.65 million in state funding from Governor Newsom's California Jobs First initiative.

Built in 1915, the Carnegie building served as a community anchor for over 100 years before closing its doors. Now it's been completely renovated with modern accessibility features, a solar array with battery backup, and flexible spaces designed for collaboration and training.

The hub will focus on three key sectors that drive the region's economy: agriculture, outdoor recreation tourism, and wood products. Local businesses in these industries can use the space to develop new products, cross-collaborate, and build climate resilience practices.

The building houses both the Siskiyou Economic Development Council headquarters and the Shasta-Cascade Small Business Development Center. Together, they'll offer job training programs and connect workers with career opportunities in the region.

California Jobs First represents the state's first comprehensive economic development strategy in more than 20 years. The initiative generated nearly $1.6 billion in investment during 2025, training over 142,000 workers and helping create more than 61,000 new jobs.

The Ripple Effect

What makes this project special is how it tailors solutions to rural communities. Rather than applying one-size-fits-all programs, the funding lets regions like Siskiyou County build on their unique strengths.

"The Carnegie is proof that rural communities can innovate, compete, and lead when local vision is matched by strong partnerships," said Tonya Dowse, Executive Director of Siskiyou Economic Development.

The renovation took years of community planning and collaboration between state agencies, local organizations, and private partners. The California Strategic Growth Council's Regional Climate Collaboratives Program contributed $1.5 million, while the Regional Investment Initiative provided $2.15 million for final construction costs.

For workers in California's North State, the hub means access to skills training and connections to higher-paying jobs without leaving their community. For local businesses, it's a place to innovate and grow in sectors that already anchor the regional economy.

The solar-powered facility also helps the community prepare for climate challenges while creating a welcoming downtown destination that could attract more foot traffic to surrounding businesses.

Sometimes the best way forward is breathing new life into what already matters to a community.